As parents, we all want to do what is best for our kids. Frequently, I get asked about fluoride – is it safe? The answer is undoubtedly yes. Fluoride is safe and strongly recommended for children of all ages.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry estimates that more than 40 percent of kids have cavities before they start kindergarten. Why? One reason is that baby teeth have thinner enamel and, therefore, get cavities more quickly.
Fluoride has been a major factor in the decline in prevalence and severity of cavities. In toothpaste, fluoride exists in the form of sodium or stannous fluoride. Fluoride combines with minerals in enamel to strengthen teeth and prevent breakdown from the bacteria that cause cavities.
Here are five tips:
1. Start early. As soon as your baby’s first tooth emerges, brush twice a day – in the morning and right before bed. Do not rinse with water afterward for maximum fluoride protection.
2. Drink tap water or bottled water with added fluoride. Drinking fluoride in small amounts benefits developing teeth, too. It gets absorbed into enamel even before the adult teeth come in around age 6.
3. Use the right amount. Commercials advertise using a swirl of toothpaste that covers the entire brush, but your kids need only a fraction of that. For children too young to spit, use a smear the size of a grain of rice – barely visible on the bristles. Once your child can spit effectively, increase to a pea-size.
4. You can have too much of a good thing. Parents should take precautions to prevent accidental swallowing of too much toothpaste. Ingesting small amounts when brushing is not harmful, but eating the entire tube is not suggested. Too much fluoride can be harmful and lead to fluorosis – a white or light brown stain on teeth.
5. Stash it safely. Parents should treat toothpaste like any other medication and keep it out of a child’s reach. Kid-friendly versions often taste yummy – they are milder in flavor yet contain the same amount of fluoride as adult toothpaste. Try buying small tubes or travel sizes in case your curious child does get a hold of it.
A healthy smile leads to a happy child.
Konita Wilks, DDS, is the dental director of Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County. healthysmilesoc.org
