Every family that walks through our doors has different priorities, and we believe good dental care means meeting you where you are. Some parents prefer to limit or avoid fluoride in their child's dental care, whether for personal, holistic, or lifestyle reasons, and that is a completely valid choice. What matters most is that your child receives thorough, consistent care that keeps their smile healthy, and there are meaningful options available for families who want to explore a different approach.
At Main Street Pediatric Dentistry of Belmont, Dr. Matthew Savage is a board-certified pediatric dentist with over 20 years of experience caring for children. As part of our comprehensive pediatric services, we offer non-fluoride treatment options for families who request them. Fluoride remains available and is something Dr. Savage is happy to discuss with you but it is never a requirement. Our goal is simply to provide your child with exceptional, prevention-focused care in a way that aligns with your family's values.
Choosing non-fluoride care does not mean skipping important preventive steps. It means selecting alternatives that accomplish the same goals, keeping teeth clean, supporting enamel strength, and catching issues early, using different products and approaches. Dr. Savage works closely with families to build a care plan that fits your child’s needs and your preferences.
The non-fluoride options we offer include the following:
Beyond the in-office substitutions we offer, there is a growing body of research on other non-fluoride approaches to supporting enamel health and reducing cavity risk. One ingredient that has received significant attention is hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that makes up the majority of tooth enamel. A systematic review and meta-analysis published by the National Institutes of Health found that biomimetic hydroxyapatite in fluoride-free oral care products showed effectiveness in reducing dental decay, with results comparable to fluoride in several clinical trials.
For families focused on cavity prevention without relying on fluoride treatments, dental sealants are one of the most effective tools available. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where the deep grooves and pits make it easy for food and bacteria to collect. They act as a physical barrier, shielding those surfaces from decay, and require no fluoride to work. Dr. Savage can discuss whether sealants are a good fit for your child as part of an overall non-fluoride preventive plan.
When fluoride treatments are not part of the picture, staying on top of routine dental exams and cleanings becomes especially important. Regular checkups allow Dr. Savage to monitor your child’s enamel health closely, identify any early signs of decay before they progress, and adjust the approach to home care guidance based on what he is seeing over time. Because Dr. Savage is the only dentist at our practice, he sees your child at every single visit, which means nothing gets missed and the care remains consistent from appointment to appointment.
Good home hygiene habits, a balanced diet low in added sugars, and twice-daily brushing with an age-appropriate non-fluoride toothpaste also play a major role in keeping teeth healthy when fluoride is not being used. Dr. Savage partners with families to make sure you have the knowledge and practical tools to support your child’s oral health at home between visits.
At Main Street Pediatric Dentistry of Belmont, we are proud to be a locally owned, community-focused practice that truly listens to the families we serve. Dr. Savage’s approach is rooted in compassion, respect, and the belief that every family deserves options. Whether you prefer a full fluoride protocol, a completely fluoride-free approach, or something in between, we are here to build a care plan around your child and your preferences, not the other way around.
If you have questions about our non-fluoride options or would like to discuss what makes the most sense for your child, we would love to talk it through with you. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment, and let us show you what personalized, family-centered pediatric dental care looks like.
Dr. Matthew Savage brings extensive experience in pediatric dentistry to Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Of Belmont. Board-certified and passionate about children's oral health, Dr. Savage believes in building trust with young patients through gentle care and clear communication with both children and parents.
Ready to schedule your child's appointment? Our friendly team is here to answer questions and help you get started with exceptional pediatric dental care.
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday: By Appointment Only

Sunday: Closed
To schedule your child's appointment, call us at (980) 990-2878 or complete our online contact form below.
Your child’s dental health starts with finding the right pediatric dentist. Main Street Pediatric Dentistry of Belmont is accepting new patients from Belmont, Cramerton, Gastonia, Mount Holly, and the surrounding communities
Give your child the gift of a lifetime of healthy smiles. Contact Main Street Pediatric Dentistry Of Belmont today to schedule their next appointment and experience the difference specialized pediatric dental care can make.
"*" indicates required fields