- Fluoride application in pediatric dentistry involves professionally applied products like fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride, along with daily use of age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste for children starting at the eruption of their first tooth. These methods strengthen tooth enamel, prevent tooth decay (caries), and can slow or arrest its progression. Pediatricians and dentists apply professional treatments every few months, especially for high-risk children, while also educating parents on proper home care to ensure safe and effective fluoride use.
Professionally Applied Fluoride
- Fluoride Varnish: This is painted directly onto the teeth and hardens quickly, providing targeted protection. It is recommended for children starting at the eruption of their first tooth, applied by a pediatrician or dentist 2 to 4 times a year, depending on a child’s cavity risk.
- Silver Diamine Fluoride: A 38% concentration of is used in some regions to arrest or prevent dental caries. It requires follow-up monitoring to check the hardened lesion’s progress.
- Fluoride Gels and Foams: These are also professional options but have been less studied than varnish. Gels are typically applied in trays for a short duration, while foams require less product for adequate coverage, according to this source.
At-Home Fluoride Use
- Fluoride Toothpaste: From the eruption of the first tooth up to age 3, use a “smear” (size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste. From age 3 to 6, use a “pea-sized amount” of fluoride toothpaste.
- Silver Diamine Fluoride: A 38% concentration of is used in some regions to arrest or prevent dental caries. It requires follow-up monitoring to check the hardened lesion’s progress.
- Parental Supervision: It’s crucial to supervise children during toothbrushing to minimize swallowing of toothpaste and ensure effective application.
When to Start and Frequency
- First Tooth: Start using fluoride toothpaste and receiving professional fluoride varnish applications once the first tooth appears.
- Regular Varnish: Children should receive professional fluoride varnish 2 to 4 times per year, or more frequently for high-risk children.
Overall Goal
- Caries Prevention: The primary goal of fluoride application is to prevent and reduce tooth decay by strengthening enamel.
- Risk-Based Approach: Professional applications and recommendations are adjusted based on a child’s risk for cavities, with high-risk children receiving more frequent treatments.
