fluoride
Dental decay is the most chronic disease in children. Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. It is added to many dental products including toothpaste, mouth rinse, gels and varnish.
Fluoride affects the bacteria that cause decay, inhibits the loss of minerals from tooth enamel and helps strengthen tooth enamel. Combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene, the use of fluoride for the prevention and control of decay is both safe and effective.
The Canadian Dental Association advises that for children from birth to three years of age, the use of fluoridated toothpaste is determined by the level of risk of tooth decay. At Small to Tall, we can help advise you if you should be using a fluoridated toothpaste. Parents should brush their child’s teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before bed. Parents should always dispense toothpaste to prevent their young children from swallowing too much fluoride.
Image Courtesy of the American Dental Association
If your child is at risk for tooth decay and is not old enough to spit, we may recommend that your child’s teeth be brushed by an adult using the size of a rice-grain amount or “smear” of fluoride toothpaste.
If your child is old enough to spit, we may recommend a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Children should be assisted by an adult in brushing their teeth.
For more information, please visit: Dental Care: Fluoride Toothpaste Tips for Kids
We know that all children are not alike. Every service we offer at Small to Tall is tailored to your child as an individual. Dr. Michelle and her team will help you decide what is the best way to complete dental treatment for you and your child. Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have about our services.
For more information on these topics, we recommend reading the brochures available at the AAPD here