The Role of Fluoride in Pediatric Dentistry

Posted on October 31, 2023

Fluoride is a mineral that can be found in water and soil naturally. It can help develop strong, healthy teeth in your kids while also helping to prevent cavities. Because of this, fluoride plays a significant role in pediatric dentistry.

 

Benefits of Fluoride

Fluoride can prevent the acid from bacteria from breaking down the enamel on your child’s teeth. Fluoride is also able to help repair acid damage on teeth. Though fluoride can’t repair a cavity, it can help reverse some decay in your child’s teeth before it becomes a cavity.

 

Sources of Fluoride

There are many sources of fluoride that your child can be exposed to. A common fluoride source is drinking water. However, not everyone’s drinking water has fluoride in it. You can check with your local water utility company or health department to see if the water in your home has fluoride.

 

If your child only drinks bottled water or your house doesn’t have fluoride water, your child may need a fluoride supplement. Check with their dentist about their risk of cavities to see if they need fluoride drops or tablets.

 

Other common sources of fluoride include:

• Fluoride toothpaste
• Fluoride mouthwash
• Fluoride varnish during dental checkups

 

Concerns About Fluoride

It is crucial to make sure your child only gets the proper amount of fluoride and not too much. Ensure they’re following safe practices like not swallowing their toothpaste. Too much fluoride can cause fluorosis in developing teeth, which can cause white or brown spots on their teeth. If you notice these spots on your child’s teeth, bring them to their dentist’s attention.

 

Rarely a child can ingest too much fluoride quickly and experience fluoride poisoning. This is typically not a serious condition, but you should call poison control or your child’s doctor if you’re concerned they’ve ingested too much.

 

Fluoride Myths

There are many false claims made about fluoride that will cause parents to hesitate in giving it to their children. However, it’s essential to look at the truth behind those myths so you can make a safe choice for your child.

 

Myth: Your child doesn’t need fluorinated water if they have fluoride toothpaste.

 

Fact: The fluoride in toothpaste alone isn’t enough to protect your child’s teeth. Having fluoride in both their toothpaste and their water will give them the maximum amount of protection.

 

Myth: Fluoride is linked to cancer and chronic diseases.

 

Fact: No studies have shown a higher risk of cancer, chronic diseases, or any serious health concern with fluoride.

 

Myth: There isn’t enough evidence to support that fluoride is helpful.

 

Fact: Fluoride has been credited with reducing tooth decay in America by 50-60% since World War II. Drinking water has had fluoride for over 50 years, and fluoride toothpaste has been available since the 1940s, supporting this evidence.

 

Summary

Fluoride is a necessary component of your child’s dental health. Ensure they get the right amount of fluoride to protect from tooth decay through sources like toothpaste, water, and fluoride varnish at their next checkup with Nevada Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry.