As is known to all, fluoride application serves well to prevent dental caries. Many first-time moms wonder whether or not the procedure still works when tooth cavities already occur in their children. Can fluoride application be sought for dental caries instead of dental filling? 

    Surely, fluoride application can prevent dental caries. With fluoride applied, there will be the formation of a transparent film on teeth surface which will shield the teeth from the invasion and damage of bacteria.

    However, it fails to fix tooth cavities, even the mildest ones. When there are cavities, you have to take an examination first and sought dental filling subsequently. Still, it’s quite necessary to conduct fluoride application for the rest of teeth following the completion of dental filling procedure. The two procedures serve different purposes. By no means can fluoride application be viewed as a replacement of dental filling. 

    Here comes the differences between the two procedures.

    Fluoride application should be sought before the occurrence of dental caries as prevention, while filling conducted after as treatment. Fluoride application refers to applying fluoride over teeth surface, while dental filling means removing eroded tooth tissues and filling the cavities with filling material. The former procedure can be completed within a few minutes, while the later may last from about half an hour to an hour. Of course, they share something in common as well. That is neither of them can guarantee no more cavities at all. Scheduling regular dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene are still required. Relevant article: White spots on children's teeth

    Though they are quite different, both of them are common dental procedure. In order to prevent tooth decay and pain, it’s necessary to seek fluoride application in advance and schedule regular examinations. When there’s dental caries, seek proper treatment as soon as possible. The sooner, the better. 

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