At Helotes Family Dentistry, we love working with new parents as they learn to care for their young kids’ teeth. One of the most common questions we get from parents is about the safety of fluoride for their young kids. Today, we want to assure parents everywhere that yes, fluoride is safe for kids – read on to learn why!
Benefits of Fluoride
Fluoride is one of the best ways to prevent cavities, no matter the age of the teeth! In fact, adding fluoride to the water supply had such a large impact on reducing cavities that it was named one of the top public achievements in the 20th century! Fluoride strengthens enamel through a process called mineralization: depositing minerals such as calcium and phosphate on the surface of your teeth that fortify enamel.
Is Fluoride Safe for My Kids?
Fluoride toothpaste, and fluoridated water, are safe for kids. For toddlers, use a rice-sized amount of toothpaste to gently clean their teeth. Once your child is better able to spit, you can work up to using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. If you’re using the recommended amount of toothpaste and monitoring to make sure they’re not unnecessarily swallowing large amounts of toothpaste, you can be confident they’re getting all of the enamel-strengthening benefits.
What Happens if My Child Ingests Too Much Fluoride?
Fluorosis, or too much exposure to fluoride, happens under the age of 8. This cosmetic issue can usually only be noticed by a dentist but appears as small white spots on teeth. Dr. Brigman and our team always closely observes our youngest patients for signs of fluorosis. You can reduce the chance of fluorosis by ensuring that your child is not swallowing their toothpaste after brushing.
All in all, fluoride is a secret weapon when it comes to preventing tooth decay on young teeth. To ask our team any questions about your children and fluoride or to schedule your next visit to our office, contact us today!
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