Childrens Teeth » Fluoride

Using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water can help protect teeth from decay.  Fluoride helps make teeth strong by hardening the tooth enamel.

Many cities are required to add fluoride to tap water.  Water is fluoridated in about two-thirds of cities and towns in the United States. If your water is not fluoridated or if your children's teeth need more fluoride to stay healthy, we can prescribe it in the form of a gel, mouthrinse, or tablet. 

Fluoride...

  • makes teeth more resistant to decay
  • repairs tiny areas of decay before they become big cavities
  • makes germs in the mouth less able to cause decay

Fluoride helps the smooth surfaces of the teeth the most. It is less effective on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Regular brushing -- with fluoride toothpaste -- helps prevent tooth decay.  Proper brushing and flossing, sealants and fluoride together can prevent almost all tooth decay.