Truffle for your thoughts? Bon-bon for…being you! Because February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, KC Parent wants to share some truths about fluoride to protect and strengthen your children’s enamel during this sticky, gooey season.
What is it?
Plaque, a bacterium that breaks down sugars in food, erodes the enamel on the surface of the teeth when not brushed away. It causes tooth decay and, in time, cavities. Fluoride can prevent plaque from deteriorating tooth enamel.
The American Dental Association (ADA) says, “Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces but also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay is visible.”
What’s too much?
Just like with vitamins or medications, there is a toxic level of fluoride. This does not occur from brushing your teeth too much or excessive drinking of fluoridated tap water, but keep in mind that more isn’t always better.
“Too much fluoride before 8 years of age, a time when teeth are developing,” reports www.KidsHealth.org, “can cause enamel fluorosis, a discoloration or mottling of the permanent teeth.” This is why parents should supervise their children’s brushing habits to ensure toothpaste and fluoride mouth rinses aren’t being ingested.
When to fluoride?
If you have a family that drinks only bottled water (which contains no fluoride), you might consider additional fluoride supplementation. This is something a parent should discuss with the family dentist or medical provider before you make any changes.
Additional facts: (Source: ADA, 2005)
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proclaimed community water fluoridation (along with vaccinations and infectious disease control) as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
- Studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing dental decay by 20 to 40 percent, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste.
Symptoms of fluoride toxicity may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased salivation or increased thirst. Symptoms begin 30 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 24 hours. If you suspect your child may have eaten a substantial amount of a fluoridated product or supplement, call the poison control center or 911 (Nemours Foundation).
Stacey Hatton is a pediatric RN and humorist. Her published works can be found at www.NurseMommyLaughs.com.