Are you confused by all of the research on fluoride?

 

Are you confused by all of the research on fluoride? There is good and bad to everything, and there’s an appropriate amount of fluoride that's appropriate and then there’s too much. Read more to get the facts about fluoride and find out why this may be critical for your child’s teeth.

Fluoride is a mineral found in soils, plants, and water supplies in varying amounts. This helpful substance is found in oceans, lakes and other water sources. Fluoride helps your body fight off disease and, it also fights tooth decay.  This substance is already a natural part of your enamel and according to Edmond L. Truelove, D.D.S., chair of the Council on Scientific Affairs, "approximately 25 percent of children have or had cavities before entering kindergarten, so it’s important to provide guidance to caregivers on the appropriate use of fluoride toothpaste to help prevent children from developing cavities."

Too much of a good thing! We’ve heard it a thousand times.

There really can be too much.

Excessive fluoride can cause what is called fluorosis, a discoloration to the teeth. In order to help prevent this coloration when you are using toothpaste with fluoride for children under three use a smear, and if your child is over three, use a pea-size amount of toothpaste. This will help reduce the risks of too much fluoride. However, because fluoride is found in water and other sources, Dr. Cameron Fuller suggests that parents should be aware of how much fluoride is in other substances that their children maybe getting throughout the day. This rings especially true in younger children as they are unable to spit toothpaste completely out and may swallow it.  Keep in mind, a small amount of fluoride may help keep your child’s teeth healthy so hey can continue to do what they do best. Be Kids!