Your Child’s Oral Care
Diet
About Fluoride
Fluoride occurs naturally in many foods and in some drinking water, though the amount of fluoride varies from place to place. As of 2002, the Centers for Disease Control estimated that almost 60% of the U.S. population receives fluoridated tap water, whether it occurs naturally or is added at a water treatment plant. Most bottled water does not contain fluoride. Fluoridated water is responsible for a 20 to 40% decrease in the incidence of cavities.
Remineralization
Fluoride fights tooth decay in two ways. First, it is absorbed into and becomes a part of the structure of developing teeth. Second, it works when it comes in contact with the tooth’s surface, during brushing. Fluoride prevents the acid produced by the bacteria in plaque from dissolving tooth enamel, the hard substance that protects the teeth. Fluoride also allows teeth damaged by acid to repair themselves through a process called remineralization. Fluoride can’t repair cavities, but it can reverse the early stages of tooth decay and prevent new cavities from forming.
Even if you live in an area with fluoridated water, children over the age of 2 still need a fluoride toothpaste to protect their teeth from cavities. However, too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which can cause flecked or discolored teeth. To avoid this, children under 6 years old should use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and be supervised as they brush to minimize swallowing. Children under the age of 2 should use a fluoride-free toothpaste.
Children’s Fluoride Needs
Usually, children under the age of 6 months do not need fluoride supplements. If your water is not fluoridated, your doctor or dentist may prescribe a fluoride supplement after your baby is 6 months old. The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends that these fluoride supplements be given daily to children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. The dosage depends on how much fluoride naturally occurs in the water and the child's age.
Overexposure To Fluoride
According to the ADA, infants need less fluoride than older children and adults. It is possible for infants to get too much fluoride from the water used to reconstitute formula. If you're concerned that your infant may be getting too much fluoride, talk with your doctor or dentist. There are several ready-to-feed formula options or, you can reconstitute your formula with fluoride-free or low-fluoride water.
In rare cases, fluoride toxicity can occur if a child ingests a large amount of fluoride in a short period of time. More than 80% of reports of suspected fluoride overdoses occur in children under the age of 6.(US statistic, to be localized)
Symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased salivation or increased thirst. Symptoms begin 30 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 24 hours. Luckily, the outcomes are usually not serious. However, if you suspect your child has ingested a large amount of a fluoridated product, you should call the poison control center or 911.(to be localized by country)
This is why it’s important to keep toothpaste, mouth rinses, and other fluoride-containing products out of children's reach or in a locked cabinet. You should also supervise young children during brushing to prevent swallowing of toothpaste or other fluoridated products.