Fluoride seems to be getting some bad press as being dangerous for children’s health. Here are some facts about fluoride from the Smile Town North Delta team to help set your mind at ease.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride, a mineral that is found in water, food, and soil to different degrees, functions to strengthen the enamel of teeth, and to prevent and even reverse dental decay.
Fluoride intake is critical for children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. This is the period during which their teeth (both primary and permanent) are developing, and sufficient fluoride intake is a crucial building block.
Is Fluoride Safe?
Fluoride is only dangerous if the dose is too high. It can be toxic in extremely high doses, and too much fluoride may actually have the opposite of the above described effects on tooth enamel. That is, too much fluoride can cause fluorosis, which presents itself in brown discolouration or white specks or on the teeth. This is usually the result of naturally-occurring fluoride, and is most common in children under 6.
However, with supervision by a dental professional and when used as prescribed, fluoride’s positive effects on the dental health of your child cannot be underestimated.
Why Does my Child Need Fluoride Treatment?
Your child's dentist may recommend fluoride treatment, or the use of fluoride rinses or toothpastes, if your child does not take in sufficient amounts of fluoride from naturally occurring sources.
Your Langley children's dentist will take all of your child’s fluoride sources into careful consideration before commencing with treatment. If your child gets enough fluoride from food and drink, then the dentist will not prescribe a fluoride treatment.