Oral and dental hygiene is considered one of the basic aspects of children's health, which requires attention and care from the very beginning of life....one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay and maintain oral and dental health is the use of fluoride....the question that many parents face is at what age children should start consuming fluoride in order to make the most of its benefits and benefits...do it. In this article, we discuss **the right time to use fluoride for children**....Our goal is to increase the awareness of parents about the importance of fluoride and the right time to use it....by reading this article from the website of Dr. Najme Tadardaran Nejad **an orthodontic surgeon in Mashhad can make better decisions and maintain the health of your children**...so that they have healthy and strong teeth from the very beginning. What is fluoride therapy? Fluoride therapy is one of the methods to prevent tooth decay in which fluoride is used to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay.. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can effectively strengthen the tooth structure and increase its resistance to acid attacks that lead to decay. **Continued reading" Why should children use fissure sealant?** ### types of fluoride therapy Fluoride therapy is performed in two main ways: local and systemic use. - #### **topical fluoride** In this method, fluoride is applied directly on the surface of the tooth.... This method includes the use of fluoride-containing toothpaste, gel, foam and fluoride varnish.... The local model strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the possibility of decay.... Dentists usually use high-concentration fluoride gels and varnishes for children and adults in the office to have more preventive effects. be. - #### *systemic fluoride** This method involves consuming fluoride through drinking water, supplements or foods enriched with fluoride.... Systemic fluoride helps the growth and development of teeth in children and increases their resistance to caries as well as its local type.... Drinking water containing fluoride is one of the most common methods of providing systemic fluoride in many communities.. The best time for fluoride therapy for children Children who are at risk of tooth decay and damage can start fluoride therapy from the age of 6 months under the close supervision of a pediatric dentist. This method continues until the age of 16 and will be very effective. **Continued reading" What is the best age for children's orthodontics?** Of course **The ideal time to start fluoride therapy** is when all the milk teeth have grown, which usually happens at the age of 3 years.. Also, about two years after the eruption of the second permanent molar tooth, which is completed between 14 and 16 years of age, it is better to perform fluoride therapy once every three months with the approval of the dentist.. Effectiveness. Is the age of children important in fluoride therapy? As mentioned, one of the key factors in determining the right time to start fluoride therapy is the age of the children... Children and adolescents aged 6 to 16 are especially at risk of tooth decay, especially their molars.... At this stage of development, the use of fluoride can play an important role in preventing tooth decay... It strengthens the teeth. **Continued reading" How to prevent finger sucking in children?** How to perform fluoride therapy in children Before performing fluoride therapy, the child's teeth are first carefully cleaned using a toothbrush... Then the teeth are dried with sterile gas... After drying, all the teeth are covered with fluoride varnish and this substance remains on the teeth for approximately four minutes... After this period, the excess amount of fluoride varnish is removed with sterile gas or a cotton piece. An important point in this process is that the child should not brush his teeth for half an hour after this treatment..... This method can be used for both baby teeth and permanent teeth. #### Summary As it was said, oral and dental hygiene is one of the basic aspects of children's health, which requires attention and care from the very beginning of life... For this reason **use of fluoride in childhood** is of great importance... Children from 6 months to teenagers can do fluoride therapy to ensure the health of their teeth.