Did you know that fluoride isn’t directly beneficial to oral health? Fluoride is a very cool element. It has the ability to attract phosphorus and calcium, two minerals essential to strengthening tooth enamel. Though it benefits everyone, fluoride works differently in adults and children, and too much fluoride can harm the body.
Dr. Cat is a proponent of fluoride in tap water, toothpaste, mouthwash, and professional applications because of its cavity-fighting properties. If you or your loved ones need a dentist, schedule an appointment with Dr. Cat, call Santa Cruz Dental Artists in Santa Cruz, CA, today.
In this article, we’ll dive into the awesome facts about fluoride so that you understand just what it is, how it works, and the best ways to reap its benefits.
Fluoride’s Strengths
Children under eight years old, whose permanent teeth are still developing within the jawbone, benefit from consuming fluoride in moderate levels. Many parents unwittingly keep their children from the benefits of fluoride. Feeding babies formula mixed with bottled water and encouraging kids to drink bottled water are quite common. After all, who knows what’s in tap water?
Actually, you can get a report of what’s in your local water. Just visit this website where the EPA shares its public water reports in consumer confidence reports (CCRs).
While hydration is vital to good health, including oral health, the fluoride in US tap water can help your little ones deter cavities, even before their permanent teeth erupt. That’s awesome news! So mix that baby formula with tap water and give your children tap water, too.
Fluoride benefits children over eight years of age and adults when it’s rinsed or applied directly to tooth enamel. Our teeth are past the development phase. So, fluoridated toothpaste, rinsing with tap water, using a fluoride-rich mouthwash, and opting for professional fluoride treatments at the dentist’s office are excellent options to get the fluoride your teeth need.
Fluoride’s Weaknesses
Salt, oxygen, and even water consumed in large doses can be toxic, even fatal. However, these substances are essential to life. The key is in the amount.
When it comes to fluoride in drinking water, public tap water in the USA contains a safe amount of .7kg/L. It will not harm you or your children, even newborns.
Babies and toddlers should use non-fluoridated toothpaste, and no one should habitually swallow fluoridated mouthwash or toothpaste. These products have a bit higher concentration that’s still safe, even if swallowed. However, children under eight who swallow fluoridated oral hygiene products can develop horizontal, bright white lines on their permanent teeth. These lines indicate fluorosis, a benign condition that only causes cosmetic concerns.
Quick Review
● Use fluoridated tap water to mix baby formula
● Make sure your children drink tap water
● Kids under eight can develop fluorosis, so until they regularly spit out toothpaste, use a non-fluoridated variety
● Adults need to use fluoride-rich mouthwash, toothpaste, and tap water to help strengthen tooth enamel every day
● Your dentist may suggest an in-office fluoride treatment that’s applied directly to teeth ● Fluoride in safe dosages will deter tooth decay
Next Steps Does your family need a great dentist? Dr. Cat at Santa Cruz Dental Artists, in Santa Cruz, California, believes that parents and children need to learn the best ways to promote good oral health at home, in addition to attending six-month dental checkups and cleanings. Call 1-831-457-0343 today or visit SantaCruzDentalArtists.com to make appointments for your family members.
