There has been a lot of discussion about whether fluoride is safe for children. Today our Langley children's dentists share some advice on how and when fluoride can be used to help build healthy young smiles.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in a number of foods, as well as water and soil. Many municipalities add fluoride to drinking water to help combat widespread dental issues and to help keep teeth strong and healthy. Health Canada, and the Canadian Dental Association both support water fluoridation and believe that it can be helpful in preventing dental issues from developing.
The Benefits of Fluoride
When fluoride applied to the teeth in the form of toothpastes or fluoride treatments it helps to replace lost minerals and strengthen tooth enamel.
When ingested through food or water, fluoride moves through the body, helping to strengthen developing teeth from the inside.
Pros & Cons of Fluoride
The positive effects of fluoride on the dental health of children cannot be overstated. When the child's daily intake of fluoride is carefully monitored, fluoride is considered safe and essential in both protecting and building young smiles.
While just the right amount of fluoride helps to protect children's teeth, too much fluoride can actually harm tooth enamel and could lead to dental fluorosis.
Dental fluorosis is most often a result of naturally-occurring fluoride, and is typically found in children under six years of age. This condition is characterized by brown discolouration or white specks on the child's teeth.
Our children's dentists here at SmileTown Langley carefully assess each child's fluoride intake before recommending fluoride as a preventive treatment.
Fluoride To Help Build Heathy Smiles
Fluoride intake is critical for the dental health of children between the ages of six months and sixteen years. This is the time when children's teeth (both primary and permanent) are developing, and sufficient fluoride helps to ensure that the teeth are strong and healthy.
Our children's dentists at SmileTown in Langley will take all of your child's fluoride sources into consideration, and only recommend treatment for your child if they are not getting enough fluoride from naturally occurring sources.