What is one of the most common childhood diseases? Is it the flu? No, it's tooth decay, says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). At Burbank Pediatric Dentistry in Burbank, CA, provide preventive children's dentistry services that avoid decay, preserving young teeth. Learn more about helpful fluoride treatments.

How tooth decay occurs

Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that secrete destructive acids onto tooth enamel. The interdental spaces and the pits and crevices common to chewing surfaces are particularly cavity-prone.

Burbank Pediatric Dentistry Inc. works with parents in promoting good oral hygiene habits at home, along with a tooth-friendly diet, protection against accidental injury, and more. Plus, modern fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated water from municipal supplies help harden tooth enamel.

But, did you know that your children's dentist offers another simple preventive? Yes, in-office fluoride treatments from Burbank Pediatric Dentistry in Burbank, CA, add another layer of protection against the ravages of tooth decay.

How do fluoride treatments work?

Fluoride treatments are simple, fast, and economical preventives. Helpful to both children and adults, this painted-on medication actually hardens enamel--the outermost layer of tooth structure. The harder the tooth enamel becomes, the more impervious it is to the destructive action of the oral bacteria which causes tooth decay.

To determine if your child should receive a fluoride treatment, a dentist in Burbank, CA recommends a hygienic cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar missed by tooth brushing and flossing at home. Then, he will perform a routine examination for decay and other oral health problems. Even the earliest of tooth decay is obvious to a dentist as small white spots located near the gum tissue reports the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

If fluoride treatment is in order, dentists in Burbank, CA will apply the colored liquid to the chewing surfaces and other areas of concern. The fluoride seeps into tooth enamel within 30 minutes (no food or drink during this time, please) and remains effective six months to even a year. In addition, fluoride protects against dental sensitivity in thin enamel.

Those precious teeth

Whether baby teeth or adult teeth, all are precious and important to your child's oral development, biting, chewing, speech, and personal appearance. So why not do all you can to protect his or her smile?

For more information on fluoride treatments, call your children's dentistry expert in Burbank, CA. Our number at Burbank Pediatric Dentistry is (818) 659-7772.