What is fluoride anyways? Why is it important?
Fluoride is a natural element that has been linked to preventing tooth decay. It can be found in water and certain foods. Fluoride is also added to some toothpaste to protect teeth from cavities.
Let's talk more about some of the most common questions parents ask their kids pediatric dentist.
Is fluoride good for children?
Fluoride is good for children’s teeth in small amounts. According to the American Dental Association, if your child is under the age of 3, use fluoride toothpaste no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice. For children ages 3-6 the amount of fluoride toothpaste used should be no more than the size of a pea.
What is water fluoridation?
Water fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to a normal water source within a community. The government states that this small amount of fluoride is the optimal level for preventing tooth decay. Water fluoridation began in the USA in 1945.
Why is fluoride important?
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by increasing the remineralization process. Basically, it helps harden your teeth. In communities with fluoridated water, rates of dental disease are statistically lower, and recent research links fluoridated water with improved dental health and better overall health.