Fluoride Treatments for Kids

November 20, 2013

Often oral hygiene is not the first thing on a child’s mind and brushing their teeth is the last thing they want to do. These are reasons why fluoride is one of the best things to help keep kids teeth healthy. Fluoride is a simple way to strengthen teeth and prevent decay in both children and adults.


How Does Fluoride Work?

As bacteria in your child’s mouth metabolize sugar, they produce acid (increasing the pH) which eats away at their enamel causing demineralization. The saliva in your child’s mouth naturally works to reduce the pH and to remineralize their teeth. Fluoride works with the minerals in their saliva to create fluoroapitite which is a very hard crystalline structure.


This fluoroapitite replaces the hydroxyapatite that is lost during the demineralization. Introducing fluoride into your child’s mouth by using toothpaste and a fluoride rinse increases the amount of fluoride available to be used to remineralize and strengthen their teeth.


Fluoride Trays

One method for the application of fluoride at the dental office is by placing neutral fluoride foam in trays and then having the patient sit with the trays in their mouth for a period of time. This method provides a more concentrated amount of fluoride to your child’s teeth and makes it readily available to work with their saliva to remineralize their teeth.


Using fluoride trays allows the fluoride to sit on your child’s teeth and mix with their saliva, however once the trays are removed the fluoride is easily removed. This is the reason why your hygienist will ask you to ensure that your child does not eat or drink for at least half an hour after their fluoride application.


Fluoride Varnish

A second method, and the one that we use most at our Evanston dental office, is fluoride varnish. The fluoride is painted on your child’s teeth and sets very quickly. This method has a higher concentration of fluoride than the trays. Varnish allows the fluoride to stay where it is most needed – on the teeth. The uptake of fluoride from fluoride varnish is much higher than with trays.

As with trays, after a varnish application your child’s hygienist will recommend that they not eat or drink for the first half hour to ensure that the varnish has completely set and to wait to brush your teeth for 2-4 hours. This allows the fluoride to remain on your teeth for a longer period of time increasing the length of time that it is available to work with your saliva to remineralize your teeth.


At-home Fluoride

You can help your children strengthen their teeth at home by encouraging them to use over-the-counter fluoride products. Using fluoride toothpaste is a good first step, but as we stated earlier sometimes kids aren’t the best brushers. To aid in prevention add a fluoride mouth rinse to their oral hygiene routine. Encourage your children to use the fluoride rinse once a day to increase the amount of fluoride available to strengthen their enamel. It is best to use the fluoride rinse before bed as you shouldn’t eat or drink after using it for about 30 minutes.

 

Combined with other preventative measures, using fluoride rinses and fluoride treatments can protect your teeth from decay and help you and your children keep your teeth for longer. Check with our Evanston dentists to find out which would be the best method of fluoride application for you.

The post Fluoride Treatments for Kids appeared first on Stephens Dentistry.

June 24, 2025
Pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation, and transformation. As your body adapts to nurture new life, your needs evolve—including your dental care. At Stephens Dentistry, we’re passionate about supporting expectant mothers through every stage of this journey. Understanding the connection between oral health and pregnancy is not just important for your smile, but for the wellbeing of both you and your baby.  How Pregnancy Impacts Oral Health Pregnancy brings about a surge in hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, which can have a profound effect on your gums and teeth. Many women notice changes in their oral health during pregnancy, including increased sensitivity, swelling, or bleeding gums. These shifts aren't just uncomfortable—they can also signal conditions that need attention to safeguard your overall health. Pregnancy Gingivitis: What You Need to Know One of the most common dental issues during pregnancy is pregnancy gingivitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , up to 60–75% of pregnant women develop gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. This occurs because hormonal changes heighten the body’s response to the bacteria in dental plaque. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis—a more serious gum infection that can cause tooth loss and has been linked to health risks beyond the mouth. Oral Health and Birth Outcomes The importance of oral health during pregnancy goes beyond comfort and aesthetics. Research has shown a significant link between maternal gum disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. A systematic review published in the Journal of Dental Research found that women with periodontal disease may be more likely to deliver prematurely or have babies with low birth weights. Although more research is ongoing, the potential connection means that taking care of your gums and teeth is an essential part of prenatal health. Why Dental Care Shouldn’t Wait Some expectant mothers worry about dental treatments during pregnancy. The good news is that routine dental care—including cleanings and necessary treatments—are not only safe but recommended during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists confirms that preventive dental work is important and can be performed safely, especially in the second trimester. Delaying care can allow small problems to become bigger ones, and untreated infections can pose a risk to both you and your baby. If you are planning to become pregnant, scheduling a dental checkup beforehand is an excellent way to get ahead of any issues. Practical Tips for Expectant Mothers Maintaining oral health during pregnancy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to keep your smile healthy throughout your pregnancy: Brush and Floss Regularly: Aim to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This helps remove plaque and reduce your risk of gingivitis. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on nutritious foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which support both your oral and overall health. Manage Morning Sickness: If you experience vomiting, rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash rather than brushing immediately afterward, as stomach acid can soften tooth enamel. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, and can also help combat dry mouth, which is common in pregnancy. Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Let your dental team know you are pregnant so they can tailor your care. At Stephens Dentistry, we take extra precautions to ensure your comfort and safety during each visit. Learn more about our preventive dental services . Recognizing When to Call Your Dentist While mild gum sensitivity is common, it’s important to reach out to your dentist if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, or pain. These symptoms could indicate an infection that needs prompt attention. If you develop a dental emergency during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist—timely care is always the best choice for both you and your baby. Supporting Your Health at Stephens Dentistry At Stephens Dentistry, we’re committed to providing compassionate, personalized dental care for every stage of life—including pregnancy. Our team stays up-to-date on the latest guidelines and safety protocols to ensure you receive the best care possible. For more information on how we support our patients during pregnancy, visit our dental care for families page. Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and your smile should be a part of it. Prioritizing your oral health is a gift to yourself and your growing family. If you have questions or want to schedule your next dental visit, contact our office —we’re here to help you every step of the way.
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