It can be hard to get the honest facts about hotly debated oral health topics, making it difficult for parents to make the best decision for their children’s health and wellness. Trusting the professionals, like your child’s pediatric dentist in Leesburg, can help. Fluoride is one of those topics that has a wealth of misinformation surrounding it. Read on to learn what exactly fluoride is, what it can do, and when it is safe to start using for your child’s dental health.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral found throughout nature, like in rocks, the air, and even many of the fresh fruits and vegetables that you and your child eat. However, most people are familiar with fluoride because it is added to municipal water sources and many dental hygiene products.
In 1962, the U.S. Public Health Service recommended that all public water systems servicing over 5,000 people begin adding fluoride to their water because its presence showed a drastic reduction in cavities in communities. In fact, studies show that fluoride plays an incredibly important role in the prevention of cavities throughout the country by reducing community’s risks by about 25%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
When is It Safe for You to Use Fluoride for Your Child?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as other leading health organizations in the country, recommend that children begin using fluoridated toothpastes by the time their first tooth appears. However, fluoride from community water, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other naturally occurring sources can be consumed as soon as your baby can safely begin eating or drinking those items.
The recommended timeline that pediatric dentists follow to begin using fluoridated dental hygiene products is:
- A smear (equivalent to a small rice grain amount) of fluoridated toothpaste when their first tooth appears.
- A pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste by the age of three.
- Fluoride mouthrinses should not be used in children under age six, or until the child is able to spit.
- A full ribbon of adult fluoridated toothpaste starting at eight years old.
Why Do Pediatric Dentists Recommend Fluoride Treatment?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes that community water fluoridation is one of the 10 greatest achievements in public health in the 1900s. Today, they recommend additional fluoride intake from professionally-applied fluoride treatment to help fortify children’s dental health and reduce instances of cavities.
Pediatric dentists typically recommend fluoride treatments following children’s regular dental checkups and cleanings as a way to help prevent the formation of cavities by their next appointment. This proactive and preventive approach can help children have more positive experiences at the dental office by minimizing their need for invasive treatments as well as help keep their oral health on the right track into adulthood.
If you ever have questions about fluoride use, like what it is, how it works, and why it is considered the gold standard for preventive dental treatment, the best person to go to for answers is your child’s pediatric dentist. They will not only give you peace of mind that you are making the best decisions for your child’s health, but will ensure that you are also fully informed about the facts.
About the Author
Dr. Vani Takiar is a board-certified pediatric dentist with years of experience. She remains up to date with the latest advancements in her field, ensuring that all of her patients receive the gold standard of care to help minimize their risk of common oral health problems like cavities. For questions about fluoride treatment, feel free to call Tooth Clues’ office at 571-799-0559 or visit the website to schedule an appointment.