Prevent Decay with the Right Fluoride
Fluorine, a natural component in fluoride compounds, has been proven effective in reducing childhood cavities and tooth decay. Fluoride is a key ingredient in many popular toothpastes, oral gels, and mouthwashes, and is also commonly found in community water supplies. While fluoride is a vital part of any good oral care routine, too much intake can lead to a condition called fluorosis. Pediatric dentists are able to monitor fluoride levels and ensure children receive the appropriate amount.
How Fluoride Helps Prevent Tooth Decay?
Fluoride performs two important functions for dental health. Firstly, it helps to slow down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel, and secondly, it encourages the remineralization of tooth enamel.
When we consume carbohydrates (sugar), oral bacteria feed on them and produce harmful acids. These acids attack tooth enamel – especially in children who are on certain medications or produce less saliva. Repeated acid attacks lead to cavities, tooth decay, and childhood gum disease. Fluoride protects tooth enamel from these acid attacks and lowers the risk of childhood tooth decay.
Fluoride is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive oral hygiene plan. Reducing sugary food intake, brushing and regularly flossing, and visiting the pediatric dentist twice a year all enhance the benefits of fluoride and help keep young teeth healthy.
How Much Fluoride is the Right Amount?
Since community water supplies and toothpastes often contain fluoride, it's crucial that children don't ingest too much. For this reason, children under the age of two should use an ADA-approved, non-fluoridated toothpaste. For children under two, use a tiny smear of toothpaste on their toothbrush twice a day. Children between the ages of two and five should use a pea-sized amount of ADA-approved fluoridated toothpaste on a clean toothbrush twice each day. They should be encouraged to spit out any extra toothpaste after brushing. This may require patience, encouragement, and practice.
The amount of fluoride children ingest between the ages of one and four years old is critical in determining whether fluorosis occurs later in life. The most common sign of fluorosis is white spots on the permanent teeth. Children over the age of eight are not considered to be at high risk for fluorosis but should still use an ADA-approved toothpaste.
Does My Child Need Extra Fluoride?
The pediatric dentist is best qualified to decide if a child needs fluoride supplements. First, the dentist will ask questions to determine the child's current fluoride intake, gather their general health history, and assess the sugar content of their diet. If a child isn't getting enough fluoride and is considered to be at high risk for tooth decay, a fluoride supplement to use at home might be recommended.
Topical fluoride can also be quickly and painlessly applied to the tooth enamel during a regular dental visit. Topical fluoride comes in various convenient forms, including foams, liquids, varnishes, and gels. Depending on the child's age and cooperation, topical fluoride can either be held on the teeth for a few minutes in special trays or painted on with a brush.
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