A lot of parents seem to be unsure about Fluoride, and what purpose it serves to their young children. When you don’t know what something does, it’s natural to be skeptical and unsure of whether or not it’s a positive substance for your children to consume.
Why does my child need fluoride? And what is fluoride?
Fluoride is an important mineral that helps strengthen the enamel on teeth and prevent tooth decay. Bacteria likes to sit in your child’s mouth and combine with sugars, which produces acid that causes tooth decay and harms the enamel on their teeth. Fluoride protects teeth from this sort of damage, and also can help reverse the signs of early decay.
Is fluoridated water safe for my child to drink?
Yes, it is! The American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP), as well as the American Dental Association(ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) have stated and agreed that water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay.
What should I do if the water in my community doesn’t contain fluoride?
Some cities and municipal areas have chosen to not include fluoride in their drinking water. If this is the case where you live, there are a few different ways that you can give your child a healthy amount of fluoride. The other most common source of fluoride, is fluoridated toothpaste. Children can start using a small smear of toothpaste on their toothbrush as soon as their first tooth appears, until they are three years old. Then they can begin using a pea sized amount of toothpaste. Fluoride is also found naturally in many different fruits and vegetables. Making sure that your child eats a healthy and balanced diet that contains a lot of vitamin d and calcium is a great way to ensure that your child’s teeth stay healthy and strong.
