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Something every parent wonders about. What is fluoride? How does it work? Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in most of our foods and water supplies. It can work on the surface of teeth, making teeth more resistant to cavities. It can also work on a deeper level, becoming part of your child’s developing permanent teeth or by becoming part of your child’s saliva. So, is fluoride safe? YES – in appropriate doses. If you’re wondering if filtered water has fluoride, it depends. Most filters do not remove fluoride. Reverse osmosis water is the exception. > How do I know if my tap water has fluoride? Your water district should mail a water-quality report (or consumer confidence report) to you each year. You can also go online to view the water-quality report for your water district. > What is the “ideal” amount of fluoride? For children over age 6 and adults, optimal fluoridation occurs between 0.7-1.2ppm (parts per million) in the water supply. This amount is less for younger children. Your child’s dentist or pediatrician can help determine the right amount. > Does my child really need fluoride? Most children and adults benefit from fluoride. For infants, it depends on your child’s unique needs. Talking to your pediatric dentist and giving as much information as you can about your child’s fluoride intake, diet, and brushing/flossing habits will help determine if your child is getting too much or too little fluoride. > What about my baby’s formula? Current guidelines recommend that parents do not feed their babies, under age 1, a formula containing fluoride or mixing powdered formula with fluoridated water. > What’s the “best” toothpaste? It depends on your child’s age and skill level. Most young kids (under age 2) use infant toothpaste (which has no fluoride) because they’ll swallow most of it. Preschool and school-aged children use fluoridated toothpaste. Look for toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval. Help or supervise your child’s brushing so it is done well. > How much toothpaste should my child use? A pea-sized amount or smear of toothpaste across the bristles is adequate. Any more is wasteful and potentially harmful. > What will happen if my child swallows fluoridated toothpaste? The permanent teeth that are developing may be affected, depending on your child’s age and amount swallowed. More serious side effects can happen with higher doses of swallowed fluoride. > Is children’s toothpaste OK? Children’s toothpaste and adult toothpaste typically have the same amount of fluoride. Children usually swallow more children’s toothpaste because the flavor tastes good. > OK, so when should my child see a dentist? When the first tooth erupts or by the first birthday. Infants may fuss during this check-up, but most recover quickly. It establishes your baby’s “dental home” and can give you guidance on appropriate care of your baby’s teeth and gums. > Do dentists really want to see uncooperative or young kids? Pediatric dentists do! They are specialists who receive additional training after dental school in the care of infants, children, and patients with special needs. They use special techniques to help make your child’s check-up a better experience overall. > Any other tips? Set a good example yourself with appropriate brushing and flossing habits. And see your dentist regularly. Karilyn House and Joseph Renzi Jr. are pediatric dentists on staff at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). To find a CHOC physician or learn more about CHOC, visit choc.org. |
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