What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical ion of fluorine, one of the top 20 most common elements in the earth’s crust. It is found in rocks, dirt, and water. When fluorine combines with sodium, it creates fluoride. We use fluoride to protect our teeth from cavities. Click for more information on the science of fluoride.
Why is fluoride important for kid's health?
When bacteria and sugar combine in the mouth there can be damage to teeth and tooth enamel. Fluoride protects the teeth and can reverse decay.
Is fluoride in water safe for my kids?
The experts agree, yes! The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree that water with fluoride is safe and healthy for kids. Studies show that dental decay is 25% less in adults and children living in communities with fluoridated water.
How can my child get the fluoride he or she needs?
Water and toothpaste are the most common sources of fluoride. Your child's dentist may also provide a fluoride treatment at a twice-yearly dental exam. If your community does not have fluoride in the water, ask your pediatrician for suggestions on additional sources of fluoride.
How much toothpaste should my child use?
Parents should start brushing a baby's teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at the first sign of a tooth. For children under 3 years of age, parents should apply toothpaste no bigger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, parents should apply toothpaste no bigger than a pea.
Is fluoride a toxic substance?
According to scientific evidence, the fluoride amounts in your water are safe. Just like other vitamins and minerals we consume (such as salt, vitamins A and D, chlorine and oxygen) having too much fluoride can be toxic. An adult man would have to drink 120 gallons of fluoridated water at one time to consume a toxic amount of fluoride from water.
Kid Care CHIP provides free twice-yearly preventive dental exams. Visit InsureKidsNow.gov to find a Kid Care CHIP dentist near you.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014, October 4) FAQ: Fluoride and Children. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/FAQ-Fluoride-and-Children.aspx.
American Dental Association. Fluoridation FAQ. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation/fluoridation-faq.
American Dental Association. How Fluoride Fights Cavities. Retrieved from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/fluoride-superhero.
|
