Fluoride
Fluoride can be a gel, foam or a liquid and comes in many flavours. It helps prevent cavities by strengthening the enamel and fixing the first tiny stages of tooth decay. It is very important for kids to get fluoride treatments to enhance the strength of the forming baby and adult teeth. This is especially true in Whitehorse, since we do not have fluoride in our water. In adults, when the teeth are fully formed and erupted, it is helpful to decrease the sensitivity of teeth.
If kids ingest too much fluoride - which is usually from swallowing fluoride enhanced toothpastes - white spots can occur on the teeth. This is called fluorosis. To prevent this, ensure that your child is properly spitting out the toothpaste after brushing, or just use the mechanical action of the toothbrush without toothpaste to brush their teeth.