Go with the Fluo?
Dr. Kady Schloesser, Sprout Dental
Oh Fluoride. It can be dentistry’s F-bomb. Use it and you might insult some people and inevitably clear a room. Don’t use it, and, well…
Fluoride is one of those hot-button issues for some parents. Some recognize its importance to healthy teeth. Others fear it for reasons ranging from cancer to mind control. (Seriously.)
So where do we sit on the issue? We’d like to say we’re glad you asked, but that’s really not the case. We meet parents of both opinions, so we tread lightly.
Before we start tip-toing, let’s talk objectively about what fluoride is and what fluoride does.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance that comes from fluorine, an element in the earth’s crust. We often find fluoride in our water (naturally in many cases) and also our food supply. Fluoride can help prevent cavities and aid in tooth development.
When we use fluoride properly, we strengthen our teeth and protect against tooth decay. Fluoride acts as a buffer against the bacteria in plaque that eats away our teeth, helping to fortify and rebuild the tooth’s enamel that ultimately protects our teeth. It can’t fix cavitations, but it can repair the start of cavities.
Some children need fluoride supplements. Others don’t. How do you know if your child does, and if he/she/they do, how do you know how much to supplement with and what type to use?
The best place to begin is a water test. Since fluoride is naturally occurring, it may already be in your water at acceptable levels…or it may not. The only way to know for sure, is to have your water tested.
If you live in a metropolitan area, and have municipal water, check with your water company. They can calculate the fluoride concentrations that are already in your water.
The optimal level for fluoride is 0.7 milligrams per liter. Once you know more about the fluoride your child is already getting, you can know whether they need more or not.
Keep in mind that children’s ages also affect their fluoride needs. Children under 6-months of age do not need fluoride supplements. As you approach your child’s first pediatric dental appointment – we encourage that as a first birthday present – you’ll want to have an open and honest discussion about your children’s fluoride needs with your pediatric dentist.
If that dentist is us, which we hope it is, we’ll ask about your water, of course. Then we’ll move onto foods, diet, and lifestyle preferences to identify ways to get your children the fluoride he or she needs in ways you are comfortable with. One of the most critical considerations for fluoride, is that’s its best not to swallow too much of it. We find topical applications for fluoride to be the most effective, this could be from toothpaste, a dental rinse, or an in-office fluoride treatment. Beyond water – and dental products – fluoride is also in our food because food and water go hand in hand.
At the end of the day, we believe fluoride, when used appropriately, as a topical solution in the right amounts for your child, is safe and effective in minimizing the risk of cavities and helping to strengthen teeth and smiles. There are risks to overexposure, concerns, and even uncertainties, but when used appropriately, those risks can be reduced.
On the fence about fluoride? We hope you see its value when used appropriately.
And to put you at ease, here are some tips on ways to use and store it properly:
- Buy only an ADA-approved child’s fluoridated toothpaste and use a rice-sized smear on the toothbrush
- Supervise children when brushing to make sure they spit out the toothpaste once they’re finished brushing
- Avoid fluoride rinses in children under the age of six since they’re more likely to swallow the rinse
- Keep fluoride products away from children in a safe place to avoid over-use
- Speak with your pediatric dentist about incorporating fluoride treatments into your next dental appointment to reduce your at-home concerns
If you have any questions about fluoride, be sure to ask at your next dental appointment.
About Sprout Dental
Sprout Dental is a pediatric dental practice located at 554 Hamlin Highway, Lake Ariel PA 18436. The practice is owned and operated by Dr. Kady Schloesser, who along with Dr. Alesia Walsh and a team of hygienists and assistants is helping children and teens from across Northeast Pennsylvania grow healthy smiles and develop the tools to nurture them throughout their lifetimes. Sprout Dental sees patients as young as one and into their teenage years. Learn more about Sprout Dental and meet Dr. Kady and Dr. Alesia at sproutdental.com. For appointments, call 570-253-0358.
