Parents, children, and their dentist in Franklin, TN, don’t always see eye to eye, but if there’s something we can all agree on is that cavities are one of our worst enemies. Besides weakening their developing smiles, tooth decay can be painful, disrupting your child’s routine and affecting their quality of life.  

To make matters worse, children are much more prone to cavities than adults because their enamel is still developing and, thus, much weaker to bacteria. While restricting their candy intake or considering dental sealants certainly can help, fluoride can be your best friend in protecting your child’s smile.  

In this article, we’ll explore fluoride, how different treatments can benefit your kid, and what precautions you should take regarding it.  

So, What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in the air, water, soil, plants, and in your bones and teeth!  

Fluoride is frequently used in dentistry to strengthen the enamel, the outermost layer of teeth, and help prevent cavities. Furthermore, fluoride has been introduced in public water supplies since the 1940s in a process known as water fluoridation.

Fluoride can also be found in a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as:

• Toothpaste
• Mouth rinses
• Supplements

How Does Fluoride Strengthen Your Kid’s Teeth?

According to the American Dental Association, water fluoridation is the most effective way to prevent tooth decay. Research from 2023 shows that this practice has helped reduce tooth decay in both adults and children by more than 25%.

In general, fluoride is beneficial for teeth because it helps remineralize weakened tooth enamel.

When you or your kid don’t brush and floss their teeth properly, food debris stuck between their teeth can start to accumulate harmful bacteria in their mouths. This bacterium breaks down sugar and carbs, producing acids that eat away at the minerals in your tooth enamel, which is known as demineralization.

As a result, your child's tooth enamel becomes weaker and more susceptible to decay-causing bacteria. By remineralizing tooth enamel, fluoride slows down the loss of minerals from tooth enamel and lowers the risk of tooth decay and other dental health problems. This strengthens tooth enamel against dangerous bacteria.

Additionally, fluoride can reverse early signs of tooth decay and prevent the growth of harmful oral bacteria, making it a great mineral to protect your child’s smile.

Is Fluoride Unsafe?

No, there’s no evidence that fluoride is unsafe at appropriate levels.

The main risk of fluoride comes from excessive exposure, often from swallowing too much. For example, toothpaste can be swallowed while brushing or drank in water with very high levels of fluoride. This happens in areas where fluoride naturally occurs in high concentrations.

In the rest of the United States, though, levels of fluoride in water should be twice what they are now to pose a danger, which is 0.7 milligrams of fluoride to each liter of water, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

That is about three drops of water in a 55-gallon barrel. Furthermore, the CDC shows that not all American communities fluoridate their drinking water.

Excessive exposure to fluoride, especially in children under 8, can lead to dental fluorosis. That's why it's important for young children to use only a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and to spit it out rather than swallow it.

What Is Fluorosis?

Fluorosis occurs when a child consumes excessive fluoride while their teeth are still developing, usually before age 8. This can lead to changes in the enamel of the teeth, resulting in white spots, streaks, or, in more severe cases, brown stains and pitting.

The severity of fluorosis can range from mild to severe, but it does not cause pain. While it affects the appearance of the teeth, it does not directly harm their health. Some signs of fluorosis to watch for are:

• White spots or streaks on the teeth: These are usually the first signs of mild fluorosis and can be subtle, especially on the upper front teeth.
• Chalky appearance: As fluorosis progresses, the teeth may appear more opaque or chalky.
• Brown stains or mottling: In severe cases, the teeth may develop brown or dark stains.
• Pitting or surface irregularities: In extreme cases, the enamel may become pitted or develop rough areas, which can make the teeth more prone to damage.

How to Prevent Fluorosis?

Preventing fluorosis involves ensuring that children receive the right amount of fluoride without overexposure. To reduce any potential risk, you can:

• Monitor Drinking Water Fluoride: Check the fluoride levels in your local water supply. If the water has high fluoride levels, you may want to consider using low-fluoride bottled water for your child or having your water tested.
• Supervise Brushing: Teach your kids to use only a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about a pea-sized amount. Once they finish brushing, make sure they spit out the toothpaste and don’t swallow it.
• Use Age-Appropriate Toothpaste: If your child is under 2, it may be better to use fluoride-free toothpaste. For children over 2, use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste and ensure they brush correctly.
• Consult a Dentist About Supplements: If you live in an area with low fluoride levels in the water, talk to your dentist before giving your child fluoride supplements. They can recommend the correct dosage to avoid excess fluoride intake.
• Regular Dental Visits: Routine checkups with your child’s dentist will help monitor fluoride exposure and detect early signs of fluorosis.

Protect Your Child’s Smile with a Dentist in Franklin, TN

As you can see, fluoride can be a very beneficial mineral for your child’s health when used in moderation. Excessive exposure can lead to fluorosis, causing potentially permanent spots and stains in your kid’s smile.

Nevertheless, by monitoring their brushing when they’re young and visiting Happy Harpeth & Associates regularly, you can prevent this condition from happening and identify it early on if it does. If you’re considering fluoride treatments or supplements to strengthen your kid’s teeth and prevent cavities, reach out to set an appointment!