Fluoride Treatment for Children in Charlottesville VA

Call (434) 817-1817 to schedule an appointment for your child.

Fluoride helps keep your kid’s teeth healthy and strong

Over 90% of all people will suffer from tooth decay at some point during their life. Even the best at-home brushing and flossing habits aren’t always a foolproof way to prevent tooth decay – especially in children. 

Fortunately, fluoride can help set your children’s teeth up for a lifetime of fighting tooth decay!

Fluoride helps maintain the strength and integrity of your child’s tooth enamel and reduces the risk of decay and cavities. This is especially important for children who are not fully cooperative with quality at-home hygiene habits and for children who have special needs.

We provide care for children of all ages, and are happy to work with you as a parent or guardian to address your child’s specific dental needs. Contact us today to schedule your child’s next appointment.

“You do such a wonderful job with my special needs son. Everyone has also been sweet and has taken things slow, while making sure he gets the care he needs. He doesn’t dread the dentist anymore!”

— Emilie W.

We provide fluoride treatment at your child’s twice-yearly cleaning and exam

Routine oral care is crucial for the long-term health of your child’s teeth and gums. Generally, we’ll administer fluoride as an optional service during your child’s twice-yearly dental cleaning and exam visit. 

Learn More About Routine Oral Care

Fluoride Treatment at Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville

Fluoride treatments are designed to slow down or stop the tooth decay process by reinforcing your child’s natural tooth structure. This helps prevent cavities from forming, and can even arrest small cavities that are in the early stage of formation (as long as the decay is confined to the tooth enamel).

What to expect at your child’s appointment

We apply fluoride topically to your child’s teeth. Topical application is extremely safe and will not damage any permanent teeth. 

Fluoride varnish is very similar to a strong, sticky toothpaste. It will stick to your child’s teeth and gradually absorb into the enamel over the course of several hours. Because the fluoride actually binds directly to the tooth’s surface, your child will still be able to eat or drink right away, just avoid hot or sticky foods for the rest of the day.

We Accept Most Insurance & Medicaid

We believe every child should have access to the best dental care possible. We proudly accept Medicaid and many other insurance plans, including those from:

  • Anthem
  • Metlife
  • Guardian
  • United Concordia
  • Delta Dental
  • Cigna

Meet Our Doctors & Staff

Our dentists are compassionate, caring, gentle, empathetic, and sensitive to the needs of every child.

Learn More About Our Doctors & Staff

Call (434) 817-1817 to Schedule Your Child’s Ongoing Care Appointment

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Fluoride Treatment FAQ

How Safe are Fluoride Treatments?

Very safe! Generally speaking, there are no drawbacks to our fluoride treatment. It’s a great way to strengthen your child’s teeth and reduce their risk of tooth decay.

I Thought Fluoride was Poisonous or Harmful. Is This True?

Ingesting large amounts of fluoride can be dangerous. However, we only apply fluoride topically, and because it’s sticky, you don’t have to worry about it rinsing off or your child swallowing it.

Does My Child Need to Avoid Eating or Drinking After a Fluoride Treatment?

Nope! Our fluoride treatments are a topical “varnish” that bonds directly to the tooth’s surface. That means your child can eat and drink after their appointment is over, just avoid hot or sticky foods that day.

Are Fluoride Treatments Recommended for Children with Special Needs?

Yes! Children with special needs or those who can’t clean their own teeth are often at high risk of developing cavities and damaging tooth decay. Fluoride treatments are very beneficial for your child if he or she has special needs. Additionally, fluoride treatments are completely non-invasive, do not take long to apply, and can be done as part of a routine cleaning appointment.

Our dentists have lots of experience working with children who have special needs, including Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and dental anxiety.

We Have Well Water. Are My Children Getting Enough Fluoride?

Counterintuitively, this is an issue that you should discuss with your pediatrician, as they can better help you test your water’s fluoride content and recommend whether your child needs a prescription for Fluoride supplementation.

How Often Should My Child Receive Fluoride Treatments?

For children under the age of 18, we usually recommend a fluoride treatment twice a year as part of your child’s cleaning and dental exam.

What if I Don’t Want to Use Fluoride? Is it Optional?

As with all treatment, you have the right to decide what you think is best for you and your family. We are here to offer our expert recommendations, but if you don’t feel comfortable with routine fluoride application, then we will respect your preferences.

Learn More About Our Complete Offering of Dental Services

Dental Exams

Dental Cleanings

Restorative Treatments

Frenectomies

Sealants

General Anesthesia

View All Treatments

Call (434) 817-1817 to Schedule Your Child’s Ongoing Care Appointment

Contact Us Online
Book Online

Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville

Address: 1470 Pantops Mountain Pl Ste 1 Charlottesville, VA 22911 (Click for Directions)

Hours: Mon-Thur: 8AM-5PM | Fri: 8AM-4PM

Phone: (434) 260-6836

Fax: (434) 817-1819

Email: email@childrensdentistryofcharlottesville.com