At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, we believe the safe and effective use of fluoride is an important part of preventive dental care for children of all ages.
Parent Choice is Important to Us
We always ask for your permission before applying fluoride treatments. While we strongly recommend them as part of comprehensive preventive care, we respect your decision and are happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Do Kids Need Fluoride?
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that plays an essential role in protecting teeth and preventing cavities.
It works in several important ways:
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Strengthens tooth enamel by creating a more decay-resistant surface.
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Helps remineralize early areas of decay before they become cavities.
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Reduces the ability of cavity-causing bacteria to produce harmful acids.
Fluoride Treatments at Mini Miners
During your child's regular dental checkup, we offer professional fluoride treatments to provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.
What to Expect:
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We apply our fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth at the end of their appointment.
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Your child will get to pick the flavor of fluoride off a menu, and it takes just a moment to brush on. We even have flavorless fluoride!
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The varnish hardens quickly when it comes in contact with saliva, so your child can eat and drink normally immediately after the treatment!
Benefits of Fluoride Treatments
Our fluoride treatments provide benefits that go beyond what's possible with just brushing:
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Creates a stronger protective barrier against cavities
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Provides targeted protection for developing teeth
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Helps reverse very early stages of tooth decay
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Can reduce the need for more invasive dental procedures later
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Studies show children who receive regular fluoride treatments have significantly fewer cavities
We Recommend Using Fluoride Toothpaste at Home
When used properly, fluoride toothpaste provides consistent, daily protection for your child's teeth:
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Strengthens enamel against acid attacks from foods and drinks
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Helps repair minor damage before it becomes a cavity
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Provides ongoing protection between dental visits
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Reduces tooth sensitivity in some children
Use the Right Amount of Fluoride Toothpaste
How much toothpaste you should use varies by age.
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Under age 2: Use a smear of fluoridated toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice)
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Children 2-6 years: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste
It’s also important that you:
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Supervise brushing until your child can tie their own shoelaces or even later (8 years+)
Fluoride in Drinking Water
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry supports the use of community water fluoridation at its recommended concentration as it has proven to be both safe and effective in preventing and controlling cavities.
If your family’s source of drinking water is not fluoridated (for example, if your home has well water or you drink bottled water), ask your dentist at Mini Miners if your child is getting enough fluoride. Some children may need fluoride supplements or treatments.
