Protecting Little Smiles: The Importance of Fluoride for Children at Schaefer Dental Group
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is essential for proper tooth development and the prevention of tooth decay. In communities throughout the United States, tooth decay may still be a significant problem—but it is far less prevalent than it would have been, if not for the fluoridation of public water supplies. That’s why the major associations of pediatric dentists and doctors support water fluoridation to the current recommended levels of 0.70 parts per million (ppm).
Of course, not everyone has access to fluoridated water. That’s one reason why a fluoride supplement is often recommended for your child and/or the use of toothpastes and other products that contain this important mineral. Because it is possible for children to get too much fluoride, it is best to seek professional advice from Schaefer Dental Group on the proper use of any fluoride-containing product for your child in Lansing, Michigan.
How Fluoride Helps Teeth
The protective outer layer of teeth, called enamel, is often subject to attacks from acids. These acids come directly from acidic foods and beverages, or are created by decay-causing bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugar. In metabolizing sugar, the bacteria produce acids that can eat through tooth enamel, which is how cavities are formed.
When fluoride is present, it becomes part of the crystalline structure of tooth enamel, hardening it and making it more resistant to acid attack. Fluoride can even help repair small cavities that are already forming.
Delivering Fluoride to the Teeth
There are several ways to ensure your child receives adequate fluoride:
- Systemic Delivery: Fluoride ingested by children in drinking water or supplements can be taken up by their developing permanent teeth.
- Topical Delivery: Once a tooth has erupted, it can be strengthened by fluoride topically (on the surface).
- Toothpaste: We recommend using only a pea-sized amount for children ages 2-6 and just a tiny smear for kids under two. Fluoride should not be used on children younger than six months.
- Professional Applications: A very beneficial way to deliver fluoride is with topical fluoride applications painted right onto your child’s teeth during their dental visits.
How Much Is Too Much? (Enamel Fluorosis)
Teeth that are over-exposed to fluoride as they are forming beneath the gum line can develop a condition called enamel fluorosis, which is characterized by a streaked or mottled appearance. Mild fluorosis takes the form of white spots that are hard to see. In more severe cases (which are rare), the discoloration can be darker, with a pitted texture.
The condition is not harmful, but may eventually require cosmetic dental treatment. The risk for fluorosis ends by the time a child is about 9 and all the permanent teeth have fully formed. Since fluoride use is cumulative, all the sources your child comes in contact with need to be evaluated. While caution is advised, however, it would be a mistake to forgo the benefits that this important mineral can bring to your child’s teeth—and his or her overall health. Always consult with Schaefer Dental Group regarding your child’s total fluoride intake.