• Request an Appointment
  Telephone (+1) 970-353-5203
DENTAL CLINIC
×
  • Home
  • First Visit
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
    • Office Policies
    • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact

Let’s Talk About Fluoride

Let’s Talk About Fluoride
March 12, 2020smilesavvyUncategorized

So much of parenting is a balancing act. Making sure your child has enough play time and enough nap time. Crafting meals that are both healthy and appealing. Making sure every dental product you use is both effective and safe.

While our team can’t recommend the perfect bedtime story, or tell you why your child just won’t go for that delicious steamed broccoli, we are more than happy to discuss the very best ways to promote healthy, strong teeth. Should fluoride toothpaste be part of your child’s dental routine? For many good reasons, the answer is yes.

Why Fluoride is Important

Our enamel is the strongest substance in our bodies, with the highest concentration of minerals, but it is not indestructible. The bacteria that live in our mouths create acids which attack our enamel. Weakened enamel leads to cavities. Fluoride is a mineral that makes the enamel surface more resistant to these acids, and can actually help our enamel repair itself in a process called “remineralization.” Fluoride helps prevent cavities and makes teeth stronger, and those are benefits that will last your child a lifetime.

Can There Be Too Much of a Good Thing?

Fluorosis is a condition that can sometimes develop when a child has been exposed to too much fluoride while the adult teeth are developing below the gum line. (Around the age of eight, children’s teeth have finished forming and are not at risk.) Fluorosis is not a disease, and doesn’t harm teeth, but can lead to faint streaks in the enamel. While this streaking is usually white and subtle, it can sometimes be darker and more noticeable. Teeth discolored by fluorosis can be treated cosmetically, but prevention is always the best option.

Finding the Perfect Balance

Talk to us about using fluoride toothpaste when your baby’s first teeth start arriving. If a very young child is at risk for tooth decay, we might recommend early use of fluoride toothpaste. And for these small children, younger than the age of three, a small smear of paste (about the size of a grain of rice) is sufficient if needed. Swallowing fluoride products increases the risk of fluorosis, so make sure to use a very small amount of paste.

Because young children can’t understand the concept of rinsing and spitting, you always want to make sure the amount of toothpaste you use is age-appropriate even as they get older.  From ages three to six, a pea-sized dab of toothpaste is enough. Children should not use fluoride rinses or supplements unless recommended, and should be monitored to make sure they spit out fluoride toothpaste or rinses after brushing.

Most drinking water already has natural levels of fluoride, which normally aren’t a problem. If you are concerned about high fluoride levels in your local water, talk to us. If your water has higher levels of fluoride than normal, you can minimize consumption when your baby is young by breastfeeding, using non-fluoridated water for mixing with formula powder or concentrate, or buying prepared formula. If your child is a toddler, don’t add fluoride rinses or supplements unless they are recommended by a dental or medical professional.

Talk to us during your visit to our office about protecting your child’s teeth. We are happy to help you find just the right amount of fluoride to keep young smiles stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. Healthy teeth in a beautiful smile—that’s a perfect balance!

Categories

  • Dental Tips
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Uncategorized

Latest Articles

  • Can children be at risk for developing periodontal disease? Jan 14

    Our team hears this question a lot. While many people...

  • My child has canker sores! How can I help? Dec 17

    According to the American Association of Pediatric Density, roughly one...

  • A History of Thanksgiving Nov 24

    Thanksgiving is a great occasion; one we look forward to...

  • Proper Brushing Techniques Oct 29

    Brushing your teeth properly removes the food particles and bacteria...

  • Should Children Use Whitening Products? Oct 1

    As adults, we often wish our teeth could be as...

Contact Us

970 353 5203

1122, 9th St, 101, Greeley, CO 80631

About Us

Tooth Town of Greeley is a children's dentist practice in Greeley, CO serving infants, children and teens. We also server the surrounding areas of Evans, LaSalle, Johnstown and Windsor. Our practice accepts Medicaid.

Hours of Operation:

Monday:10 AM -5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday:9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday:9 AM - 5 PM
Friday:9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday-Sunday:Closed
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT