Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen bone and enamel, has been the topic of heated debates for many years now.

Some people believe that fluoride is beneficial, while others believe it is poisonous.

Here are the facts about fluoride:

• Fluoride helps strengthen the outer layer of the tooth, called enamel, by reinforcing as its ions become part of the tooth structure.
• If you have well water or do not get city water, your children may need a prescription for a fluoride supplement – which can only be given by a Pediatrician or Pediatric Dentist. Not all well water lacks fluoride though – we would send a test kit home with you in order to find out how much fluoride is already in your water, then determine how much, if any, supplement your child needs.
• Fluoride can be toxic at high levels. Keep fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses out of your child’s reach and never allow your child to swallow them – these items contain higher concentrations of fluoride and can make your child ill or cause fluorosis – a type of enamel defect.
• Don’t let your child use fluoridated toothpaste until you are certain he or she can spit out all of the toothpaste without ingesting any. Until this time (which differs for every child, but can be as late as age five), we recommend using fluoride-free, safe to swallow, toddler toothpaste. Look for “fluoride free” or “safe to swallow” on the package.
• If you use only bottled water for your baby and do not use tap water, buy “Nursery water” – bottled water with a safe and healthy amount of fluoride added in for your baby’s benefit.
• Your child should have a professionally applied, topical fluoride-treatment twice a year to help prevent decay. This application is usually done along with a dental cleaning, called a prophy. Everyone, including children and adults, should have dental cleanings every six months – because it usually takes about six months for a cavity to form completely.

Questions?

Read More About Infant Oral Health:

• When Do the First Teeth Appear?
• Teething
• My Baby Was Born With a Tooth! What Do I Do?
• First Dental Visit – Sooner Than You May Think!
• Taking Care of Baby’s Mouth and Teeth
• When to Stop Using the Bottle
• What You Need to Know About Pacifiers
• What To Do When Baby Falls and Emergency Care
• Baby Bottle Tooth Decay