In 1886 Ferdinand Frederic Henri Moisson isolated a mineral element called fluorine and was rewarded with the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1906, according to webelements.com. While fluorine is fairly common (it is the 17th most common element in the earth’s crust), the American Dental Association notes it is never encountered in its free state; it exists only as a fluoride compound combined with other elements.

The discovery of fluoride’s protective qualities for teeth is something of a medical miracle. A hundred years ago it was unknown and dental diseases and tooth loss affected virtually every family. Today, fluoride is “dental science's main weapon in the battle against tooth decay,” reports the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

According to WebMD.com, “Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay."

One of the most effective methods of protecting children’s teeth against cavities and decay is having a qualified dentist apply a fluoride compound directly to their teeth. Here are some of the benefits of a professional fluoride treatment.

1. It strengthens teeth

The proper application of fluoride can actually rebuild the mineral structure of teeth, according to the American Dental Association. As a result, it doesn’t just prevent cavities, it can actually repair and reverse the early stages of tooth decay.

2. It can prevent serious future problems

Infants and very young children can get cavities or succumb to periodontal disease, leading to a premature loss of baby teeth. Dentaldiseases.org reports too early loss of teeth can hamper a child’s ability to follow a proper diet and can even cause problems with speech development. It can also cause significant problems with alignment and spacing of permanent teeth, requiring expensive orthodontic treatments and procedures.

3. You can’t get the same result at home

Professional fluoride treatments consist of gels, foams, rinses or varnishes applied by a licensed dentist or hygienist. These products are more concentrated than the self-applied fluorides. Too large quantities of fluoride can be bad, so they must be applied by someone trained and experienced in proper usage.

4. It’s easy

The process literally takes minutes. An article in RDH magazine, a publication for dental hygienists, reports effective topical application of fluoride typically takes between 30 seconds and 4 minutes.

5. It is cost-effective

While the cost can vary depending on the dental office and the specific product, a topical fluoride application by a dental professional will cost significantly less than a single small filling. If needed, your dentist can also provide a prescription for dietary fluoride supplements for children ages 6 months to 16 years.

6. It provides peace of mind

Even with parental instruction, children don’t always brush their teeth regularly. So even if you provide fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouth rinses, your children’s teeth might not be getting all the fluoride they need. While fluoride treatments don’t replace brushing and flossing, they can provide an extra level of protection.

7. It’s a fail-safe

Because fluoride is added to most community drinking water sources, many parents assume their children get all they need. In many households, though, children and adults rarely drink tap water. The increasing use of bottled water and water filters means many people actually get little fluoride in the liquids they drink. Regular applications of fluoride by a dentist ensures children actually receive the necessary amount of fluoride.

By providing regular professional applications of fluoride to your children’s teeth from a dentist that specializes in children’s dentistry, you can assure them of the best preventative dental care available.

Flint Stephens has a master's degree in communication. He writes regularly on business, financial and medical topics.