Who doesn’t love the tiny white pearls popping out of their child’s gums? Those natural milky teeth are what we all love to have. Unfortunately, the grown-ups don’t care much about oral health and lose their beauty before crossing seventy. If you want your child to have the perfect teeth, start giving them Fluoride.
Fluoride is one way of keeping your child’s teeth strong and protected from tooth decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral, so you don’t have to worry if the kid is getting something terrible.
We have created this short post answering all questions you may have about taking Fluoride.
What is Fluoride, and Where Does it Come From?
Fluoride is a natural mineral from the soil, water, and air rocks. Water is also a good source of Fluoride. However, it isn’t rich enough to fight tooth decay. According to experts, we can add this mineral “to drinking water supplies as a public health measure for reducing cavities.”
Why My Child Need Fluoride?
Fluoride slows or stops cavities from forming. The bacteria in the mouth combine with sugar to create a harmful acid. This acid harms the outer layer of the tooth (enamel). Drinking fluoridated fluids will protect your child’s teeth from damage, helping rebuild the enamel.
Those realizing the value of this vital mineral have started adding Fluoride to tap water. So we highly suggest giving your child fluoridated toothpaste and encouraging them to increase their water intake.
Is Fluoridated Water Safe for My Child?
Yes, it’s safe for your child to drink fluoridated water. According to a publication by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), fluoridated water is safe to drink and works to prevent tooth decay. A similar suggestion came from the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results have shown a reduction of 25% in tooth decay when using fluoridated water.
When Should I Start Giving My Children Fluoride Toothpaste?
The AAP suggests parents can start giving fluoride toothpaste with their child’s first tooth. Keep the amount small in the beginning, gradually increasing the amount. That said, pregnant women must avoid the intake of Fluoride. It may affect your baby’s intellect.
What Can I do if My Community Doesn’t Provide Fluoridated Water?
Not all communities provide fluoridated water. So it’s okay to live in a society with no such facility. However, it’s always better to ask your pediatrician if your child requires Fluoride or fluoridated water. American Kids Care (AKC) is home to experienced pediatricians. You may bring your child to us and see if your kid requires fluoridated water or not.
Pediatricians may also suggest using fluoride drops or tablets if your local community doesn’t provide this type of water.
Should My Child Get Fluoride Varnish?
Keeping your child in good health conditions is your primary job. A healthy child is a happy child and will grow up to remain the same. Besides giving fluoride content, consider giving fluoride varnish to the child.
Fluoride varnish is a treatment for 6-months old babies. They apply this concentrated form of Fluoride to protect your baby’s teeth from decaying. Dentists apply this varnish on the top and sides of your baby’s teeth and leave it on for up to 12 hours. Doctors also suggest following this habit until your baby turns 5.
So the next time you bring your child for a preventive well-child visit, ask if your baby requires this treatment.
What Breastfeeding Must Mothers Know About Fluoride?
Babies under six months don’t need Fluoride. Older babies are good to get this mineral. However, asking your kid’s pediatrician about giving them Fluoride is always better. If your baby is using formula-based food and don’t want the baby to get Fluoride, you may:
- Use a fluoride-free formula,
- Use a fluoride-free bottle and water, and
- Use the formula that doesn’t require water.
What is Dental Fluorosis and How it may Become Harmful for My Child?
Dental fluorosis is faint white streaks on the teeth caused by regularly consuming Fluoride during the teeth-forming years. Although it isn’t usually painful, it may get harmful if the intake exceeds the typical usage.
The first thing to avoid while preventing dental fluorosis is giving the excess amount of Fluoride to children under eight. Avoid fluoride tablets or drops when the fluoridated water intake contains the recommended concentration of 0.7 mg/L or higher. The best thing to keep your child’s teeth healthy is by asking doctors about fluoride intake.
Everything our bodies contain is a blessing. We should take good care of every organ and always try eating, drinking, breathing, and using things best for our health. You must consult with your kid’s pediatrician if you’re unsure about the best things to provide your child.
We at American Kids Care are always ready to help our young patients and offer the best we can.
