Most parents know children’s oral health basics: brush regularly, reduce sugar intake, limit snacking, and get adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D. Weston Spencer DDS – Conservative Comprehensive Dentistry recommends three additional tools for preventing cavities in toddlers and children.
Sealants
Fluoride supplements
Oral rinses
Resin dental sealants are applied by your dentist. The material bonds to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, preserving the pits and fissures from decay. Some California dental insurance providers cover dental sealants, so check with your provider if you are considering them.
Fluoride supplements help strengthen still-forming teeth prior to eruption. You can get a prescription from your pediatrician or speak with us at Weston Spencer DDS – Conservative Comprehensive Dentistry in La Jolla. There is one caveat, however: if you have fluoridated water, your pediatrician may counsel against taking additional fluoride in supplement form.
If your son or daughter is taking fluoride supplements, is an oral rinse redundant? Actually, no. Fluoride supplements help strengthen teeth that are still forming, but a fluoride rinse helps teeth that have already come in. Make sure you choose one specifically formulated for children. Products labeled as a mouthwash are usually intended only for breath-freshening and may not contain fluoride.
I recommend children use an oral rinse after they brush and floss at night. They are most effective when they are the last substance on teeth before kids go to bed.
At Weston Spencer DDS – Conservative Comprehensive Dentistry, we believe that with proper preventative dentistry, kids can enjoy healthy teeth for life.
Contact Weston Spencer DDS – Conservative Comprehensive Dentistry:
858-683-1301
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
7855 Fay Avenue Suite 200
La Jolla, California
92037