When considering whether your child is ready for fluoride products, it is always best to consult a dental professional like Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry.
Caring for your child’s dental needs is our first priority and with locations in Charlotte, Mint Hill, Steele Creek, and Union County, we make it easy!
Whether to use fluoride products or not is a hot topic and it is important to get the facts. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), along with the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state that water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay because it strengthens tooth enamel.
Did you know that fluoride exists naturally in all water supplies? Recognizing that it prevents tooth decay, nearly all large cities in the United States ensure that the fluoride levels in their public water systems meet standards that are known to combat tooth decay. Since the late 1960s, (when fluoridation programs began) a 300% reduction in cavities has been recorded and this is largely credited to fluoride in public water sources. Due to the success of fluoridation programs, the CDC pronounced community water fluoridation as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Fluoride makes tooth enamel stronger thereby defending against decay. Even before your first teeth appear as a baby, fluoride is active in the system strengthening teeth. When using a fluoride toothpaste or other fluoride products, the fluoride is applied directly to the tooth surface allowing it to add strength to existing enamel. Additionally, it is naturally in some foods and beverages become part of your saliva, exposing teeth to minuscule amounts of fluoride allowing tooth enamel to be strengthened.
By using dental products with fluoride included, you will increase protection against cavities. If your child is below the age of 6, a small amount of fluoride toothpaste is ok, however you should refrain from allowing them to use mouthwash (unless recommended by a dental professional like Young & Polite) as they are more likely to swallow it, which could potentially cause more harm than good.
If you are unsure whether your child is ready for fluoride toothpaste, ask one of our pediatric dentists at Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry! We are happy to be your go-to dental professional for all your dental care, questions, and advice! Call today to schedule an appointment!