Should I Be Giving My Child Fluoride?
The simple answer— Yes.
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent cavities, tooth decay and keeps your teeth healthy and strong.Numerous studies have shown that there is a significant decrease in the incidence of childhood cavities in children who receive fluoride.
How children can get flouride
Flouride in the water
Because fluoride is so effective in preventing tooth decay, many communities put fluoride directly in their water supply. However, in Washoe County the water supply is not fluoridated.
Dental provider application
A dental provider typically applies a fluoride varnish to a child’s teeth after a cleaning or an exam. In some low income schools around the nation, fluoride application is offered right in the classroom, however not in Washoe County.
Fluoride prescription
Another way for your child to get a beneficial amount of fluoride is for them to be placed on a fluoride prescription by their pediatrician or dentist. This can be given as a liquid after the age of 4-6 months, or as a chewable pill once they are old enough to ingest it.
Dosages are as follows:
0.25 mg up to 3 years (.25 ppm of fluoride)
0.5 mg from ages 3-6 years (.5 ppm of fluoride)
1 mg from ages 6-12 years (1 ppm of flouride)
Infant formula
Infant formula in the U.S. has 0.15 ppm of fluoride in milk-based formulas. Soy-based formulas have 0.21 ppm of fluoride. The ideal amount of fluoride for a baby under the age of 3 is 0.25 ppm of fluoride.
When reconstituting these formulas it is important not to use fluoridated water (not an issue with the Washoe County water supply), because the water may have 0.7 – 1.07 ppm of fluoride in it.
Too much fluoride
The most common side-effect of excessive fluoride (which can result from over fluoridated water) is fluorosis. Fluorosis results in brown pitted staining on the surface of the tooth. Esthetically these teeth are not very pleasing to the eye, but on the positive side, these teeth are very resistant to decay.
For great teeth, start young
Helping children build good habits regarding their oral health is crucial to preventing tooth decay, bad hygiene, gum disease and so much more. It is important that as parents and dental providers we start encouraging these habits at an early age so children can benefit greatly from it.
There is a small portion of the population that has refused fluoride because they believe it is detrimental to their health. As a dentist, it is my job to continually work to educate people about oral health using data and facts and hope that, over time, I can help them recognize the value of fluoride and the role it plays in good oral health.
To learn more about our practice and Dr. Perry Francis, click here.