Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. When consumed in the form of food, nutritional supplements, or tap water during dental development, this mineral helps promote the development of strong, healthy teeth for children. Most kids get the fluoride they need from tap water, but if your child doesn’t drink tap water or shows signs of weakening tooth enamel, we may recommend fluoride supplements or other preventive treatments to ensure kids receive adequate fluoride. After teeth erupt, topical fluoride is necessary to maintain tooth enamel strength and health. For many, this simply means brushing teeth each day with a fluoridated toothpaste. For others, this can involve professional fluoride applications during six month checkups.
Fluoride itself can fuse with tooth enamel helping to rebuild or re-mineralize teeth that are lost through the consumption of acidic foods and beverages and the production of decay-causing plaque. Additionally, fluoride attracts other minerals that also strengthen teeth