Fluoride is an important part of helping children’s teeth stay healthy with a lower risk of cavities. You can help your children get this protection by using toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Why Fluoride is Important
Your children’s teeth have an outer layer called enamel. This layer serves as protection from bacteria that can result in plaque formation and cavities. Tooth enamel can be damaged or erode, which leads to less protection from tooth decay. Fluoride provides teeth with protection from cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. Since cavities are a common problem for children, it’s important to make sure that your kids are getting fluoride protection.
Fluoride Products
Some mouthwash and toothpaste products made for kids contain fluoride to help lower the risk of tooth decay. Using the recommended amount of toothpaste to clean your children’s teeth helps ensure that they’re getting as much protection as possible from cavities.
When to Use Fluoride Toothpaste
You can start using toothpaste with fluoride when your children begin to get their baby teeth. However, it’s important to only use the right amount based on their age. Otherwise, they could end up swallowing fluoridated toothpaste. For babies, use a tiny amount of toothpaste, such as the size of a grain of rice. When your children are at least three years old, you can start using pea-sized amounts of fluoridated toothpaste to brush their teeth. If you’re unsure about the amount, your dentist can show you how much to safely use.
How to Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Brush your children’s teeth thoroughly and gently with the right amount of fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride in this toothpaste will help make their enamel stronger and reduce their risk of ending up with tooth decay. You should help your children brush their teeth until they are old enough to hold the brush right and properly clean their teeth, which is usually when they are around six years old.
Other Ways to Get Fluoride
Your children can get fluoride at the dentist’s office. Dentists can give kids fluoride treatments that coat their teeth to help strengthen their enamel. With these treatments and regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, your children should have a significantly lower chance of having cavities.
To learn more about fluoride toothpaste and your children’s dental care needs, make an appointment today with Park View Pediatric Dentistry. Our staff will make you and your child feel welcome and comfortable in our child-friendly office.
