Fluoride and Kids: Keeping Your Kids’ Teeth Healthy and Strong

The internet is opinionated—What’s right for your kids?

The Internet is full of opinions. Someone out there has distinct opinions on what to feed your child, what to avoid in your own home, how to let them play safely, and, of course, what chemicals are in our day-to-day life that can affect our children. With how much information is out there, it can be difficult to determine what is a misconception and what is the truth.

This is especially true with fluoride. So here is your guide to what fluoride is, where your child can find it, and how it can help keep your child’s teeth healthy and shining for years to come!

First things first, what exactly is fluoride? Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. It is located in many different foods and water, and helps prevent tooth decay. It is often thought that fluoride is a dangerous substance, but it only creates problems such as fluorosis when ingested in large quantities, and these large quantities can be quite difficult to reach. General use will not harm a child; it will only aid them and prevent tooth decay, as well as strengthen their teeth.

How does fluoride work?

So, how exactly does this mineral work? Fluoride is best at remineralizing the tooth enamel. When we eat, the bacteria and sugars form an acid that goes straight to work on that hard, outer shell of our teeth—the enamel. Once this bacteria makes it through, you have a cavity on your hands. Our bodies do not naturally create enamel for our teeth. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. But as long as it’s still around, it can be strengthened. Fluoride gives our teeth a helping hand by enabling them to be stronger against day-to-day life. It helps protect them from acid and harmful bacteria that form every day.

What are some sources of fluoride for kids?

You might be wondering where our children are exposed to this mineral. Fluoride is in more things than you might think. In most places in the United States, the drinking water has this mineral added to it. Don’t worry, this is added at very safe levels, and it does a lot to protect our teeth. So, drink up without fear! Your teeth will greatly appreciate it.

Toothpaste is another place where your child can get fluoride. It is recommended that a child over the age of two start using a fluoride toothpaste when they brush their teeth every day. This will go a long way toward preventing cavities and toothaches.

Of course, the dentist is another great place for fluoride. Here at Must Love Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we provide professional treatments with this mineral to give your child’s teeth the boost that they need to stay happy and healthy. This is a completely painless treatment that is done by painting a thin layer of fluoride gel onto the child’s teeth.

These fluoride treatments help give your child the extra boost to ensure they have a healthy smile that can last for the rest of their life. At your child’s next appointment, don’t hesitate to ask if a fluoride treatment is right for your little ones!

Is this mineral safe for kids?

But what about everything you’ve heard online? Isn’t fluoride unsafe for children? Remember, the internet is full of misinformation. Fluoride is safe for your children when used appropriately. It’s all about the amount that your child has! As long as your child isn’t eating their toothpaste by the tube full, this mineral should not harm them. So keep the toothpaste out of reach just in case, and supervise them whenever they are brushing their teeth. Doing so will ensure that they are getting each and every tooth when they brush their teeth.

How do you determine how much toothpaste to give your child? Under three years old, you want to use a tiny amount of toothpaste, around the size of a grain of rice. From the ages of three and up, you can use a pea-sized amount twice a day. Do what you can to teach your child to spit it out so they don’t ingest the toothpaste! No matter their age, the rule is the same—brush those teeth twice a day for two minutes, and floss at least once per day!

Sometimes, there’s too much information.

It can be difficult to sort through all of the information on the internet. When it comes to fluoride, know that there are many benefits to ensure your child has strong, healthy teeth. If you feel like your child needs an extra cavity-preventing boost, don’t be afraid to ask about fluoride treatments! We’re always here to help your child and their teeth be as healthy as possible. If you’re ready to set an appointment, you can do so online in just a few minutes. We look forward to keeping those little smiles shining!