You have probably heard about fluoride being harmful to your child’s teeth. However, is this really true?
Fluoride makes the tooth enamel strong in terms of fighting tooth decay or cavities. However, it’s important that your child gets the right dosage because too much of it may do more harm than good to your little one. Below are some ways your child can get fluoride:
Using Toothpaste
When it comes to fluoride, the first thing you may have in mind is the toothpaste commercials show on TV. Some parents don’t let their kids use fluoride toothpaste because of their fear that their kids may get an overdose of the substance. But, you should know that what this toothpaste does is to bubble without the cavity-fighting properties your child needs. To ensure your child doesn’t get a fluoride overdose, the American Dental Association recommends that kids who are under three years old should get not more than a smear of fluoride toothpaste and those aged three to six should get a pea-sized amount.
Remember that your kid’s teeth must be brushed two times every day for two minutes every time. To ensure effective brushing, have the site where the teeth and gums cleaned properly as this is where cavity-causing bacteria hide.
During Dental Checkups
Your child’s hygienist puts topical fluoride on your child’s teeth during their dental checkup. As the hygienist cleans the teeth, they eliminate the fluoride-rich layer of the enamel. Thus, they need topical fluoride after the removal of this layer to combat bacteria. Did you know that kids who get two annual cleanings and fluoride tend to have less tooth decay?
Consuming Water
A number of people believe that water is not safe as it contains toxic levels of fluoride. Fortunately, the water supply in cities is usually optimally fluoridated which means that water has the best possible fluoride supply.
However, there is a condition called fluorosis, which is developed when a child has too much fluoride during the first 8 years of his life. Mild fluorosis is characterized by scattered teeth, occasional flocks, chalk-like lines and white spots. Moderate and serious forms of fluorosis, the teeth have bigger white spots and may even have rough surfaces. But, kids who get fluorosis are those who live in areas where they consume fluoride-rich or mineral-rich groundwater. Talk to a dentist about this condition. If you are still looking for a reputable pediatric dentist, check out www.greatstarthealthsmiles.com.
