Taking care of the oral health of our children is of vital importance. It is curious that it is rare to find a parent who does not make regular visits to the pediatrician. However, sometimes the same does not happen with the dentist. Visits are delayed or more sporadic. But it is very important to keep track of oral health. Also rescue the importance of applying fluoride to children's teeth throughout childhood and adolescence.
Why is it so important to schedule a visit to the dentist every six months? Well, because every six months is the recommended time for the dentist to apply fluoride to children's teeth, guaranteeing long-term protection and care of the teeth.
The importance of fluoride
We have heard a lot about toothpastes being rich in fluoride but… what is this ingredient about and why is it? importance of applying fluoride to children's teeth? Well, the truth is that fluoride is a natural mineral that is present in nature and in the earth's crust and has an extensive distribution in nature. Some foods and water tanks also contain fluoride.
Fluoride has been used since the 30s, when it was discovered that those who drank water with natural fluoride had fewer cavities than those who lived in areas where the water did not contain the mineral. From then on, the habit of adding the mineral to daily life and when brushing teeth began to be incorporated. That's why the presence of fluoride in toothpastes. Even the World Health Organization and the US Medical Association recommend the use of fluoride in water tanks to take care of teeth.
How fluoride works on children's teeth
Fluoride helps prevent cavities and keep teeth healthy and therefore the importance of applying fluoride to children's teeth. How does it work? By applying fluoride, it concentrates on the teeth of the little ones and helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth. In the case of adults, it helps to harden the enamel of the teeth.
On the other hand, it is a mineral that acts favorably in the natural processes of demineralization and remineralization that occur naturally in the mouth. This happens as part of the body's own balance. In the case of the mouth, after the ingestion of food, the acids present in the saliva cause the demineralization of the teeth. This causes the calcium and phosphorous under the outer surface of the teeth to "wash out."
But the opposite also happens: there are times when saliva is less acidic and therefore calcium and phosphorus are replenished and thus the teeth are strengthened. The demineralization and remineralization process is regular but the application of fluoride reinforces the latter process. The importance of applying fluoride to children's teeth It is based on the fact that the remineralization is stronger, with harder minerals that help to strengthen the teeth and reducing the next phase of demineralization.
Amount of fluoride
We already talked about the importance of applying fluoride to children's teeth every 6 months and regularly until they are adults. But in addition, there are other factors that allow you to control the level of fluoride. It is important to know if the daily drinking water is fluoridated. Too brushing regularly after every meal applying a children's toothpaste with concentrations of less than 1000 ppm of fluoride. In this way, cavities will be avoided.
In the event that the water is not fluoridated, the dentist will recommend the consumption of fluoride tablets or drops for children to take daily. The important thing is to be aware of the importance of applying fluoride to children's teeth in order to then carry out the pertinent inquiries and consultations and thus guarantee the appropriate amount for each age.