FLUORIDE
How important is Fluoride? It is an element, which has been shown to be beneficial to teeth. Little or no fluoride will not strengthen the teeth to help them resist cavities. Excessive fluoride ingestion can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a chalky white discoloration of the permanent teeth. Children often get more fluoride than parents realize and being aware of your child’s potential sources of fluoride can prevent the possibility of dental fluorisis.
Parents can take the following steps to decrease the risk of fluorosis in their children’s teeth:
*Use baby toothpaste.
*Place only a pea sized drop of toothpaste on brush.
*Account for all the sources of ingested fluoride before requesting fluoride supplements from your child’s physician or dentist.
*Avoid giving any fluoride-containing supplements to infants under 6 months of age.
*Obtain fluoride level test results from your drinking water before giving fluoride supplements to your child.