Fluoride, often praised as nature’s cavity fighter, plays a pivotal role in protecting your child’s teeth from tooth decay and supporting their oral development. Read on to learn how to incorporate fluoride into your child’s oral care routine to nurture a stronger, healthier smile.
How Does Fluoride Work?
The mouth is home to a diverse community of bacteria; some are good for oral health, while others are harmful. When you consume foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates, the harmful bacteria feed on the leftover food particles and release an acid that attacks the teeth. This acid progressively deteriorates the outer layers of tooth enamel, potentially leading to cavities. Fortunately, fluoride can reverse this damage and reconstruct tooth enamel through a process known as remineralization. Furthermore, fluoride makes teeth more resistant to future acid attacks.
Fluoride Sources
Every child needs sufficient exposure to fluoride to develop a healthy smile. From drinking fluoridated tap water to professional fluoride treatments, there are several methods to ensure your child receives the necessary amount of this essential mineral.
Tap Water
Most water sources contain at least some fluoride, but naturally occurring levels are not high enough to significantly lower tooth decay risk. For over 75 years, the United States has added fluoride to drinking water to improve the nation’s oral health. Drinking fluoridated tap water can reduce cavities by 25% in children and adults. About 73% of the US population has access to fluoridated water. Check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s free resource, My Water’s Fluoride, to see if your community has fluoridated tap water.
Fluoride Supplements
If your child’s primary water source lacks added fluoride, such as a private well, bottled water, or non-fluoridated tap water, your child’s dentist may recommend a fluoride supplement, particularly if they are at an elevated risk for cavities. This supplement will guarantee your child receives enough fluoride daily to promote a strong smile.
Dental Products
The supermarket shelves are lined with many different dental products for kids, making it difficult to know which type is best for cavity protection. Toothpaste and mouthwashes are frequently fortified with fluoride to make them more effective at preventing tooth decay. Children who brush daily with fluoride toothpaste have less tooth decay than their peers who do not. Take a moment to look at the active ingredients on the back of your child’s dental products to ensure they include fluoride.
However, be aware that children under two years old should only use fluoride-free toothpaste. Excessive fluoride ingestion by toddlers can be toxic and may lead to the development of white spots on their permanent teeth, a condition known as dental fluorosis.
Professional Treatments
You can choose to add a fluoride treatment to your child’s dental cleaning appointments to provide further protection against cavities. Your child’s dentist or hygienist will apply fluoride directly to your child’s teeth in the form of a foam, varnish, or gel. This high concentration of fluoride works to reverse early spots of tooth decay and prevent future cavities.
By incorporating these fluoride sources into your child’s oral care, you are providing them with a powerful ally in the battle against childhood tooth decay. Schedule your child’s next professional dental treatment today!
