The February 2023 National Children’s Dental Health Month theme is “Brush, Floss, Smile.” Tooth decay creates tiny openings or holes in tooth enamel making cavities one of the biggest health problems in infants, children and teenagers. Left untreated, cavities lead to severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. What better way to help your child’s smile thrive than by making sure they have the tools they need to keep the cavity monster away?
Why Fluoride?
This naturally occurring mineral is released from rocks into the soil, water, and air. As a trace mineral, it can also be found in small amounts in foods including grapes, raisins, apples, strawberries, bananas, peaches, watermelon, cherries, spinach, potatoes, shrimp and crab legs. Fluoride is absorbed in the gut and stored in the bones and teeth. Children absorb fluoride more effectively than adults because their bones and teeth are constantly forming. When applied to teeth, drunk in water or taken as a supplement (systemic fluoride) it strengthens tooth enamel while diminishing damage from dental plaque. Not only does fluoride help teeth
resist decay but also also remineralizes those experiencing early decay.
Fluoride Myths
Myth: Children who consume fluoridated water will end up with fluorosis.
Fact: Fluorosis happens when your child consumes too much fluoride and fluoride added to our drinking water is very low.
Myth: Fluoride is harmful for children.
Fact: Fluoride is not considered harmful to children when used properly..
Myth: Drinking fluoridated water won’t help with tooth decay.
Fact: Fluoridation helps lessen tooth decay in adults and children.
Myth: Fluoride is medication.
Fact: Fluoride is actually considered a nutrient.
Myth: Fluoride consumption increases autism.
Fact: There is no evidence that autism occurs from fluoride or fluoridated water consumption.
Myth: Your child doesn’t need to drink fluoridated water if they are using a fluoride containing toothpaste.
Fact: The CDC states that fluoridated toothpaste is not enough to combat tooth decay but using both provides maximum protection.
Myth: Fluoride is unnatural.
Fact: Some amounts of fluoride are naturally occurring in water, soil and even food.
Topical Fluoride
You can get topical fluoride over the counter (mild) or by prescription to be used in toothpastes and oral rinses. Your child’s first tooth coming through is a good time to brush with a rice grain sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. You can increase it to a pea-sized amount around age three. Don’t use fluoride rinses until they turn six. We can apply fluoridated varnishes, gels, or foams every 3 to 6 months after their first tooth comes in.
Systemic Fluoride
This fluoride source is absorbed by your child’s digestive system where it travels through the bloodstream to all the organs as well as saliva to keep their tiny chompers bathed in fluoride. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children ages 6 months to 16 should get some fluoride day.
The best thing you can do for your child’s smile is prevent tooth decay from taking hold. Good daily oral hygiene, healthy foods and drinks, and supplementing with fluoride as needed can help your child’s teeth grow healthy and strong. If you have any questions or want to schedule a dental visit in Romeoville, Naperville, and Montgomery, Illinois, please give us a call today. Our Valley View Dental team is here for your child’s smile!