If you’re a parent, you may be wondering if fluoride is safe for your kids. There are a lot of misconceptions about fluoride out there, so it’s not always easy to know the truth.
So, in this article from Coronado Dental Associates, we’ll be discussing the basics of fluoride, what it is, how it works, and whether or not it’s safe for kids. Let’s get started.
First, let’s bust a myth. Fluoride is not dangerous for kids. There are no serious risks or complications associated with its use.
Though some practitioners of “alternative medicine” claim that it can be harmful, this is not backed up by science. According to the ADA, there is absolutely no link between fluoride and any negative health effects.
Fluoride is completely safe, and is one of the most powerful tools that dentists and parents have when fighting back against tooth decay. This is because fluoride can “remineralize” teeth by attracting calcium and phosphates.
Basically, fluoride attracts minerals that can restore your child’s teeth after they’ve been weakened due to minor decay. By doing so, it keeps their enamel strong, and prevents complications like tooth decay.
As you may know, your tap water likely contains some fluoride, which can help strengthen and protect your child’s teeth. But toothpaste also typically contains fluoride, and this is also essential for your child’s oral health.
In the past, the ADA did not recommend using fluoride toothpaste in young children who could not spit out toothpaste. But today, it’s recommended for kids of all ages.
For kids under the age of 3, parents should use a dab of toothpaste that's about the size of a grain of rice. For kids who are over 3 and can spit out toothpaste properly, a pea-sized blob of toothpaste should be used.
Brushing your child’s teeth twice per day (morning and night) for two minutes is the best way to keep their smile healthy and prevent cavities as they grow.
If your child is cavity-prone, Dr. Margaret Meadows and Dr. Melanie Villalobos can help protect their smile with fluoride treatments at Coronado Dental Associates.
In this procedure, your child’s teeth will be painted with a fluoride-rich gel or paste after their teeth have been cleaned. Then, the gel will be rinsed away after a few minutes, and the fluoride will help strengthen and remineralize the teeth. This can help keep your child’s teeth strong, and even reverse minor decay (soft spots) on the enamel, eliminating the need for fillings.
If you have questions about fluoride or any other aspect of pediatric dentistry, our team is here to help. We focus on patient education at Coronado Dental Associates. So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (619) 435-0844 to schedule a consultation, and get the dental care you need in Coronado, Imperial Beach, and Downtown San Diego
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