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Fluoride for Young Smiles: When Is It Safe to Start Using it?

August 8, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — casper @ 2:26 am
a child receiving dental fluoride

For decades, dentists have recommended fluoride because it strengthens existing tooth enamel and protects smiles against decay. While there is some debate about its overuse and the potential harm it can cause (i.e., fluorosis), many researchers and dental professionals stand by its effectiveness. But when should you start using it to care for your child’s teeth? Keep reading to discover when you can begin to incorporate it into their dental routine and how it will prove beneficial as their smile continues to grow.

How Safe is Fluoride for Children?

When it comes to the standard use of fluoride (i.e., that which is found in toothpaste), many dentists recommend that it be used as soon as the first tooth erupts. Of course, how much of it is used should be closely monitored by parents, using only a smear (the size of a grain of rice) until the child is capable of rinsing and spitting.

But toothpaste is not the only place a child can be exposed to fluoride; in fact, it is also found in tap water. This additional use has caused many individuals to become fearful that children are receiving too much fluoride at an early age.

According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Dental Research (JDR), though, researchers in Australia found that children exposed to fluoridated water between the ages of 0-5 and 5-10 didn’t experience any troublesome or negative side effects once they reached adolescence. Their emotional and behavioral development as well as their executive functioning in school remained normal.

What About Fluorosis?

Fluorosis tends to occur before a child reaches the age of 8 and is the product of too much fluoride being administered or ingested while teeth are developing underneath the gums. It is believed that less than 1 in 4 individuals between the ages of 6 and 49 will develop fluorosis, and if they do, it will create more of an aesthetic problem than anything else.

Many parents may worry their child will develop small white spots on their teeth as they get older (a side effect of fluorosis) and decide to limit their fluoride exposure. Unfortunately, doing so can result in a higher risk of cavities and a greater chance of needing dental fillings or crowns.

This is why dentists recommend that parents apply the appropriate amount of toothpaste and oversee the brushing process. When helping your little one, encourage them to brush thoroughly but not swallow the toothpaste.

Instead, once they are old enough, teach them to stop and spit out the contents inside their mouth during brushing. This will reduce the chances of them accidentally swallowing fluoride.

Your child’s dentist can provide additional tips and suggestions to help put your mind at ease about brushing your little one’s teeth and how much fluoride to use. You can trust that their exposure to this natural mineral will do nothing but fortify their existing enamel so that their teeth remain strong and healthy each passing year.

About the Author
Dr. Ryne Paulson and the team at Casper Children’s Dental Clinic go above and beyond to create an environment that can be enjoyed by children. Offering fluoride treatment to help strengthen young smiles and reduce the risk of dental decay, he takes time to educate parents and their children on the importance of using fluoridated toothpaste and drinking tap water to provide growing teeth with the protection they need. If you want to learn more about how this natural mineral can safeguard your child’s smile, we invite you to visit our website or call (307) 266-1997 to find out how we can help.

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