According to the results of 2010 Beijing oral epidemiological survey, the prevalence of dental caries in children’s milk teeth in Beijing is as high as 71%, and caries (worm teeth) has become one of the common diseases threatening children’s oral health. In order to control the occurrence of children’s caries, Beijing government started to provide free fluoride foam caries prevention service for children aged 3-6 from 2011.
The guardian of dental health protection – fluoride
The plaque in the mouth uses the sugar in food and drink to produce acid through a series of chemical reaction, which demineralizes the inorganic material in the teeth and disintegrates the organic material to form caries (worm teeth). And fluoride can stop the demineralization of teeth, help the minerals return to the teeth, help the gestating teeth stronger, resist the acid attack, and reduce the chance of decay.
What is fluoride foam? What does it do?
Fluoride foam is a kind of fluoride anti-caries product which is used more internationally at present. It cleverly uses the form of foam to preserve fluoride, so that the tooth surface and crevices are attached by thousands of bubbles and continuously release fluoride ions to achieve the maximum fluoride absorption with the smallest content. It is a safe and reliable method for professional caries prevention.
What are the characteristics of fluoride foam caries prevention?
1. Good anti-caries effect.
2. High safety – the dosage form is foam, with the smallest fluorine content to achieve the maximum fluorine absorption effect.
3.Simple operation–it only takes 1-2 minutes each time, usually 2 times a year, easy to promote.
4. The taste is light and easy to be accepted by children.
Frequency of fluoridation foam use
Children above 3 years old, after they can fully control swallowing, can be provided with fluoride foam caries prevention service by dental professionals. Fluoride foam caries prevention, generally children 2 times a year can play a role in reducing the occurrence of dental caries. In case of children who are undergoing orthodontic treatment or children whose teeth decay a lot and develop rapidly, the number of fluoride application per year can be increased under the guidance of doctors.
What are the cases that fluorine foam should be suspended or not used for caries prevention?
1.For children with cold, stomach disease or gastrointestinal discomfort, suspend the use of fluoride foam during the period of illness, and use it again after getting well.
2.For children with oral ulcers, herpes stomatitis and other oral mucous membrane damage, use it temporarily and wait until the disease is recovered.
3.It is not suitable for children with allergic body and not easy to cooperate.
What are the precautions for fluoride foam to prevent tooth decay?
No rinsing, no eating, no drinking within 30 minutes after operation.
Fluoridation foam is a method to prevent tooth decay, but it cannot replace brushing. I hope parents will continue to do a good job of daily oral care for children, let children reduce the number of snacks every day and drink less carbonated drinks.