In the Know for You to Know

February is dedicated as National Children’s Dental Health Month, but good dental care (aka oral health care) is important every month and every day.

Tooth brushing and flossing are essential to prevent cavities, but there is more you can do to protect your child from tooth decay.

Today on the last day of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we’re breaking down the basics on an important topic so you can confidently navigate your child’s dental care journey.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, when used in small amounts on a routine basis helps to prevent tooth decay (aka cavities).

How Does Fluoride Work?

Fluoride encourages “remineralization” or strengthening of the tooth enamel.

It occurs naturally in water, and is an ingredient in many dental products such as tooth paste, mouth rinses, gels, varnish and supplements. Fluoride is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.

How Safe Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is shown to be safe and highly effective. It’s important for you to know that only small amounts of fluoride are necessary for the maximum benefit.

What Is Topical Fluoride?

Topical fluoride comes in a number of different forms, such as gels, foams, and varnish. Fluoride varnish is the most used form, and is applied onto the teeth with a small brush-like applicator.

There are 2 advantages to have a fluoride treatment:

• Easily and quickly applied to the teeth, it takes 1 minute,
• Fluoride continues to be absorbed into the tooth enamel for approximately 24 hours after the application.

Who Benefits From Receiving Topical Fluoride?

All children. This benefit exists whether they have no cavities, a few cavities, a lot of cavities, or braces.

My Water Doesn’t Have Fluoride, Will My Child Need Supplements?

There are several important factors to consider before recommending a fluoride supplement, including your child’s age and the amount of naturally occurring fluoride in your water supply.

Bottled, filtered, spring, and well waters all vary in their fluoride amount, so a water analysis is necessary to ensure your child is receiving the proper amount.

If it is determined after testing that your drinking water does not have an acceptable fluoride level and your child is between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old, you should speak with their pediatric dentist about fluoride supplements.

How Much Fluoride Does My Child Need?

Unlike most medicines, fluoride dosage corresponds to a child’s age, not their weight. It also depends on the amount of fluoride present in your drinking water.

When Is The Best Time For My Child To Take Their Fluoride Supplement?

Fluoride supplements are most effective when there is a 2 hour window before and after eating or drinking any dairy and high calcium juices. This is so that the fluoride doesn’t get absorbed by the calcium and dairy and become inactive.

4 Tips To Remember

• Children need fluoride for strong teeth.
• Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral which also strengthens tooth enamel, helps prevent cavities, and can help remineralize enamel.
• The American Dental Association (https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fluoride), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (https://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/BP_FluorideTherapy.pdf) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Fluoride.aspx) recommend parents use a fluoride containing dental product everyday for their children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old.
• The CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/community-water-fluoridation) reports that cavities are 25% less in areas with fluoridated tap water than in areas without fluoride in their water.

What are your family’s healthy dental care habits? Is your child using a fluoride mouth rinse? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!