Is Fluoride Safe to Use for Young Children?
If you have a general idea about dentistry, you are most likely aware that fluoride is important for the health of teeth. It is a commonly used vital mineral for oral health, and people of all ages need a certain amount of it to keep their teeth in outstanding condition. Is it the same for children? Children benefit from fluoride treatments, which are commonly performed by their pediatric dentist. However, if you are a parent, you may wonder at what age it is appropriate to take your child to the dentist for fluoride treatment.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of fluoride use for children and whether or not it is safe to use it.
Is It Recommended to Use Fluoride for Children?
The short answer is yes, fluoride is safe for children and recommended for oral care beginning at a young age. Whether it is drinking water, toothpaste, or administered by the child’s dentist, there are no negative health effects from the use of fluoride used to strengthen the child’s teeth. It is possible to use too much fluoride, and young children are at risk of this. For that reason, it is always a good idea to be smart about how much fluoride toothpaste you use for children, and watch them to ensure that they don’t swallow it regularly.
What Happens if My Child Gets Too Much Fluoride?
An excess of fluoride is known in the world of dentistry as fluorosis. Typically, this condition is mild, resulting in small white spots developing on the teeth. In advanced cases, it can potentially make the teeth more brittle. In more mild cases, fluorosis is detected only by the dentist. If you suspect your child has this and the white spots don’t come off with brushing, it can be worth checking they aren’t dealing with a problem.
When is it Necessary to Get Fluoride Treatments?
In many situations, your child’s pediatric dentist will recommend fluoride treatment during a visit or teeth cleaning. This will involve layering a fluoride solution directly onto the teeth, serving to fortify the enamel against potential decay of the teeth. The fluoride solution will be tuned perfectly to your child’s teeth and their appropriate age range, meaning there will be no risk of fluorosis. The procedure is a fast, easy, and painless method of ensuring your child’s teeth are in the best condition they can be in.
A Guide for Topical Use of Fluoride
Toothpaste
Fluoridated toothpaste is usually recommended from the eruption of the first tooth well into adulthood. From tooth eruption until your child turns three, you should only give your child a rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. This is enough for brushing in both the morning and the evening. When the child is older than three or can spit without supervision, they can be upgraded to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. You should work on spitting after brushing with your child, as water used for rinsing after brushing should be limited to promote proper contact with the teeth.
Dental Rinses
Fluoride rinses are helpful for children more prone to dental cavities or who live in communities without fluoridated water. Dental rinses are usually recommended by a pediatric dentist for high-risk children older than six who can rinse and spit without supervision. Parents should actively avoid purchasing rinses with alcohol for their children. Fluoride mouthwash, supplements, and gel can be used to complement brushing after the fact. This should be consulted with the child’s pediatric dentist before adding this to your child’s dental care routine.
Varnish
This is a high concentration of fluoride that is applied topically to the teeth by a dental professional. Fluoride varnish is used in reducing the incidence of cavities, and dentists recommend children should get varnish on their teeth every three to six months after the teeth begin erupting. This is subject to change based on your child’s susceptibility to dental caries. Applying varnish is a straightforward process, so your child has nothing to be nervous about.
Conclusion
Combined with different preventative measures, using fluoride can protect your child’s teeth from decay and help promote oral health for developing children and their teeth. If you think your child needs a fluoride treatment or you have questions, don’t be afraid to reach out to your local Montana pediatric dentist. Trust the professionals at Lolo Dentistry, the expert children’s dentist in the Western Montana area, to help you keep your child’s teeth healthy. There are three dental offices to serve you in Lolo, Frenchtown, and Superior for Mineral County, Montana, call us at 406-284-8669 for more information on procedures, dentistry, reviews, and more.
Trust the professionals at Lolo Dentistry, expert Missoula dentists, to help you keep your child’s teeth healthy. There are three dental offices to serve you in Lolo, Frenchtown, and Superior for Mineral County, Montana, call us at 406-284-8669 for more information on procedures, dentistry, reviews, and more today! We are one of the only children’s dentists in Montana that accepts Medicaid.