Fluoride has been in the news a lot recently. While harmful in significant quantities, fluoride is still the safest and best treatment option for helping to prevent tooth decay, especially in children. In an effort to expand access to pediatric fluoride treatments, New York has passed Legislation S.9308A/A.7402B. It’s a measure that authorizes additional dental health professionals to administer fluoride treatments to New York children.
The legislation aims to significantly expand the number of licensed dental professionals who can provide fluoride. The aim is to give more children access to preventative treatments and set up a future of strong oral care.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay and cavities. This mineral can reverse the early stages of decay and rebuild tooth enamel.
Tooth enamel can lose minerals when bacteria in the mouth feast on leftover food and beverages and create harmful plaque. Tooth decay and cavities occur when there is too much demineralization. Adding fluoride to a healthy dental routine helps to remineralize teeth, repairing damage caused by sugar, acid, and harmful bacteria. Fluoride can also make tooth enamel more acid-resistant, protecting teeth from future damage.
Impact of New York’s Pediatric Fluoride Law on Children’s Oral Health
Studies show that fluoride therapy is crucial for helping to prevent tooth decay and oral health issues in pediatric patients. It is one of the most effective ways to reduce dental decay in infants, children, and adolescents. It also sets children up for a lifetime of healthy dental habits and better oral health.
A recent measure passed in New York and signed by Governor Kathy Hochul is helping to expand access to fluoride. The legislation increases the number of licensed dental professionals authorized to provide vital fluoride treatments to New York children. New York now allows registered dental assistants and licensed practical nurses to apply topical fluoride varnish treatments to teeth. Instead of waiting for an appointment with a dentist, other licensed professionals can provide fluoride treatment to children. This helps make it easier for parents and children to keep their developing teeth healthy and strong.
State Senator Nathalia Fernadez said in a statement, “By expanding access to fluoride treatments, this legislation ensures more children can receive the preventive care they need, regardless of their circumstances. This is a meaningful step toward breaking down barriers to care and addressing the disparities that have plagued underserved communities for far too long. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this bill and prioritizing the health of New York’s children.”
Broadening the pool of dental healthcare professionals who can apply fluoride varnish also gives dental practices the flexibility to maximize their staff, increasing efficiency and giving practices more opportunities to serve New York families.
Topical Fluoride Guidelines for Parents
Numbers from the New York State Department of Health indicate that over 40 percent of children experience tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten. Poor oral hygiene is among the most prevalent but preventable chronic conditions among children in the United States. Good oral hygiene and regular fluoride varnish treatments can help prevent tooth decay. Treatments can also help build strong dental habits that children can carry into adolescence and adulthood, and reduce dental anxiety.
The American Dental Association recommends that a dental professional apply pediatric fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months. The frequency depends on a child’s oral health. In New York State, a maximum of four fluoride varnish applications are covered for children from birth up to seven years of age, and prior approval is not required under Medicaid.
Infants should also have their first dental check-up by age one. With preventive care, dental screenings, fluoride treatments, and a regular at-home dental care routine, parents can help keep their children’s teeth healthy. Without a good oral health routine and regular professional dental care, children can experience pain, cavities, early tooth loss, speech impediments, and poor nutrition, impacting their mental and physical growth and development.
We Want to Help Parents and Kids Build Healthy Dental Habits for Life
Our compassionate dental staff at Babylon Dental Care proudly offers New York families routine dental examinations and fluoride varnish treatments. We want kids to grow up with the confidence to show their smiles to the world and carry good oral hygiene habits with them into adulthood.
Contact our office online or call (631) 983-6665 to schedule an appointment today.