How much is too much fluoride for your child?



Fluoride helps to protect a child’s teeth against decay. Despite all of the options for dental health, tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases of childhood. Dr. Cameron Fuller, suggests that parents should use fluoride toothpaste and other fluoride products for children that are older than six months especially if you live in an area that does not have fluoride in your water. Children that have cavities that are not taken care of can cause decay which could impact their permanent teeth.  

When your baby is under six months old you can use a washcloth to clean off their gums with a smear of toothpaste, however, they do not need any extra fluoride. After six months it is suggested that you set up an appointment for your dentist to check your child. When you are at your child’s appointment if you are concerned about how much fluoride your child is getting, you may ask Dr. Fuller about fluoride supplements. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that, “children who live in an area without fluoride in their water be given a fluoride supplement every day to fight cavities,” Academy of Pediatrics.

There are a lot of other products that a parent can purchase that also has fluoride. For example, toothpaste, mouth rinses, and water. So, how much of these products should be given to your child? If your child is over the age of two it is suggested that children could be given toothpaste with fluoride in it, however, a parent should supervise in order to work with the child on not swallowing the toothpaste.  However, it is not recommended for children under the age of six to use fluoride mouth rinses. 

Contact Dr. Fuller and his team today and establish healthy dental habits in your child. 

Comments

  1. UnknownMay 23, 2014 at 10:03 AM

    Does a pediatric dentist deal with kids more than other dentist? I was searching for kid dentist and it brought up a lot of pediatric dentist. I didn't know they were the same thing. http://www.akarrasel.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMay 25, 2014 at 5:08 PM

    William,

    I want to take this opportunity to say thank-you for stopping by and reading our blog. Yes, pediatric dentists work with children only. A general dentist works with everyone while a pediatric dentist specializes in the treatment of kids only.

    ReplyDelete

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