Fluoride is a mineral and it has been added to the water supply in most states for decades. This practice started after it was noted that people living in areas with high levels of fluoride occurring naturally in the water had less tooth decay.
This led to further studies and the conclusion that fluoride was capable of strengthening the enamel coating on teeth. It should be noted that it can’t create new enamel but it can strengthen what is already there.
It’s not just the water supply that has fluoride in it. You’ll find it in a variety of other products, including toothpaste. Of course, whenever something is added to the food and other supplements we use, people will instantly want to know how safe it really is. Especially if children are absorbing it. After all, children’s bodies are still developing, there is more potential to harm them.
The Importance Of Fluoride
Everyone should visit a qualified dentist St Kilda East regularly. It’s the best way to spot issues and resolve them before they become serious. The same is true for children.
Using fluoride may seem superfluous for children as they have baby teeth that will ultimately fall out. However, fluoride does strengthen the enamel and reduces the likelihood of tooth decay. Since there are increasing numbers of tooth decay in children, using fluoride from a young age makes sense. It doesn’t just help protect the baby’s teeth from attack, it also helps children to create a habit.
The more regularly and thoroughly they clean their teeth the lower the likelihood of tooth decay n the future. Using fluoride simple enhances that protection today and in the future.
Health Risks
The good news is that studies have shown fluoride to be a safe addition to the diet for children. Toothpaste is not usually swallowed so brushing with fluoride toothpaste simply means introducing fluoride to the teeth, not the entire body.
Of course, fluoride is absorbed after drinking water. This raises concerns regarding whether it is possible to have too much fluoride.
The answer is yes. If you have too much fluoride you are likely to develop white spots on your teeth. This is known as dental fluorosis and is fairly rare. Interestingly, the white spots are simply an excess of fluoride and enamel, not indicative of damage to the teeth.
In short, even having dental fluorosis doesn’t mean your child will experience any health issues. Research has, so far, failed to find any link between fluoride consumption and disease or other health issues.
Using Fluoride properly
The key is to ensure your child doesn’t have too much fluoride. Make sure they don’t have more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their brush and that they don’t swallow the toothpaste. You should also check the fluoride level in your water supply. If it’s high you can talk to your dentist regarding the best course of action. He may recommend a water filter to ensure your child doesn’t get too much fluoride.