Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for protecting our teeth and boosting our oral health. Fluoride is important for both adults and children. This is supported by various studies and research articles. Many parents often wonder about fluoride, and have questions about its use.
Fluoride is important for both adults and children alike, with this natural mineral aiding our oral health significantly.
Fluoride is best-known for being found in toothpaste and mouth rinses. However, it can also be found in drinking water, food and beverages.
While there are some concerns about exposing children to fluoride, it is healthy, and children need it. Parents often have many questions about fluoride for their children, with any information being useful!
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. It is known for being capable of stopping or slowing the process of tooth decay and the development of cavities.
When sugars from food and drink combine with the bacteria in our mouth, acid is formed. Acid erodes the teeth, causing cavities. However, fluoride is able to protect our teeth, and aids in the process of rebuilding our enamel.
Fluoride and water fluoridation: is it safe?
As mentioned, fluoride is naturally occurring. It is found in all bodies of water on planet Earth. Moreover, this means that sometimes fluoride is found in drinking water.
In some cases, governments or policy makers have decided to add small concentrations of fluoride to the public water supply. Therefore, this has the intention of getting the public to drink water that has fluoride in it.
Around 35% of the world’s population lives in areas with fluoridated water [1]. Countries that have water fluoridation programs include the United States, Australia and Canada.
Research has shown that water fluoridation has a positive impact on children. This includes studies which have demonstrated that children who live in areas with fluoridated water typically have less cavities than children from areas without fluoridated water [2].
Furthermore, statistics show that after the United States began water fluoridation at the end of the Second World War, rates of tooth decay sharply decreased [3]. This trend has continued since then.
Despite this, there has been some controversy over water fluoridation. Some have argued that it has a detrimental effect on the development of children, and causes fluorosis – a condition that involves over-consumption of fluoride in children.
However, past research has shown though that water fluoridation does not impact brain development in children [4]. Moreover, fluorosis is very rare.
Scientists and organizations like the American Dental Association are in agreement that water fluoridation is a positive thing, and has helped society substantially.
When should a child start using fluoride toothpaste?
So with fluoride being deemed important and safe for children, it is natural to wonder when a child should start using a fluoridated toothpaste.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend using a grain of rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day from when the first tooth appears – up until the age of 3 [3].
After turning 3, the AAP recommend using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste twice a day [3]. Non-fluoride toothpaste should be avoided.
Teaching a child to spit out toothpaste is useful, as swallowing isn’t advisable. It is recommended that parents supervise their child’s toothbrushing until they become entirely competent alone.
Pregnancy and fluoride
A common concern that many people have is the possible impact that fluoride can have on an unborn child.
If you are pregnant and worried about the impact of fluoride on your unborn child, you can be assured that the public water supply is checked regularly to ensure its safety and cleanliness.
You can always contact your local water utility company for any queries or concerns about your water supply and fluoride levels.
Some people decide to drink bottled water instead. However, given the benefits of fluoride, it is advisable to consume water from the tap. As seen, drinking water from the tap is helpful for both adults and children – including the unborn!
Thinking points…
1) Some people have access to fluoridated water, while others don’t. Regardless of if you do or don’t, you still need to remember to have excellent oral hygiene. While water fluoridation can help, it cannot replace toothbrushing and flossing. Moreover, remember to attend regular dental check-ups, as these allow a dentist to examine your mouth, offer advice and suggest treatment if necessary. We recommend that you book an appointment soon!
2) Are you a parent? If yes, remember that there are many things you can do to help your children with their oral health. For example, showing an interest in their dental hygiene, helping them brush their teeth, and taking them to regular dental appointments can all help! You could even attend a dental appointment alongside your child! You could book an appointment for you both now!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Iheozor-Ejiofor, Z., Worthington, H. V., Walsh T., O’Malley, L., Clarkson, J. E., Macey, R., Alam, R., Tugwell, P., Welch, V., & Glenny, A-M. (2015). Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 18 (6): CD010856. DOI: https:/www.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pub2.
[2] Slade, G. D., Grider, W. B., Maas, W. R., & Sanders, A. E. (2018). Water Fluoridation and Dental Caries in U.S. Children and Adolescents. Journal of Dental Research. 97 (10). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034518774331.
[3] Lewis, C. (2024). Pediatrician explains why children need fluoride. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-09-pediatrician-children-fluoride.html. Last accessed: 4th October 2024.
[4] Do, L. G., Spender, A. J., Sawyer, A., Jones, A., Leary, S., Roberts, R., & Ha, D. H. (2022). Early Childhood Exposures to Fluorides and Child Behavioral Development and Executive Function: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study. Journal of Dental Research. 102 (1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345221119431.
