With such polarizing information about fluoride on the internet, it can be hard to make an educated decision on whether or not to use fluoridated toothpaste to clean your little one’s teeth. While the choice is up to you, it’s always an excellent idea to ask their children’s dentist for more information so you can make an educated decision. They can provide you with ways to help keep your little one’s teeth cavity-free if you decide to not use fluoride as well as offer clinical research if you’re on the fence about the situation. Read on to learn more about what the latest research says about children using fluoride.
What Do the Studies & Professionals Say?
While there are several studies available that examine the impact that early fluoride exposure can have on childhood development, a recent one published in the Journal of Dental Research in October of 2022 takes an in-depth approach to addressing this concern.
The study looked at a wide range of children over a long period of time to measure how water fluoridation impacts kids between five and 10 years old, all the way up until 18. They measured the executive functioning, behavior, and emotional development of 2,682 children and found no association between exposure to fluoridated water and their scores on these developmental questionnaires.
While every parent aims to do what’s best for their little one, leading professional organizations like the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend introducing your child to fluoride as early as six months old. You can do this by introducing fluoridated toothpaste into their daily hygiene routine or have them drink fluoridated water.
A negative impact studies have identified concerning early exposure to fluoride is dental fluorosis, which is a cosmetic condition that impacts the appearance of teeth. It’s typically a result of overexposure to fluoride within the first eight years of a child’s life and causes mild discolored splotches on the teeth. However, this doesn’t impact children’s oral health, solely the appearance of their teeth.
Why is Fluoride Important?
Cavities are one of the most common oral health problems among both children and adults across the globe, and one of the safest and best ways to prevent dental decay is with fluoride. This is because as you age or bacteria erode the protective outer enamel of your teeth, they’re at a higher risk of developing cavities and infections. Fluoride helps protect your teeth by strengthening your enamel and preventing or even reversing signs of decay.
Do You Need to Worry if Your Child Swallows Toothpaste with Fluoride?
If you’re using the recommended amount of toothpaste for your child’s age and supervising them as they brush, your child should be safe, even if they accidentally swallow a small amount. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that for children under three years old, only use a rice grain-sized smear of toothpaste, while for children between three and six, use a pea-size amount.
If at any point in your child’s dental development you have questions or concerns about the products they’re using or whether or not your little one requires fluoride treatments, don’t hesitate to give their children’s dentist a call.
About the Practice
At Healthy Kids Dentistry, our team includes two highly skilled dentists, Dr. Garcia and Dr. Kim. Each of them has several years of experience under their belt and is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in their field. With a commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and educational dentistry to children of all ages, we’re a great place to take care of all of your little one’s oral health needs. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 301-871-8880.