You may be surprised to know that tooth decay (cavities) is the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States. Untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. The number of cavities a child will have depends on many factors including how often and how thoroughly they brush their teeth, what they eat and drink, and whether they receive regular dental care. However, one of the most important ways to prevent tooth decay in children is to make sure that they are getting enough fluoride.
Fluoride helps prevent decay not only by making the tooth surface stronger, but also by repairing areas where decay has already begun. It is a mineral that exists naturally in nearly all water supplies, but usually at a concentration that is too low to protect teeth from cavities, which is why most communities add additional fluoride to the water supply. Numerous studies have shown that drinking water with added fluoride gives significant protection against cavities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named this practice one of its “10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.” Leading health and medical organizations all support fluoridation as it has proven to be safe and effective.
However, many people have chosen to drink mostly bottled water, which often contains little or no fluoride, because they are concerned about other elements in tap water or they may not care for the taste of tap water. If you or your children drink mostly bottled water, you may get more cavities than you would if fluoridated tap water were your main water source.
While fluoride is important for fighting cavities, if children younger than 6-years-old swallow too much fluoride, there is a risk that their permanent teeth may develop white spots. This is known as fluorosis. To keep this from happening, children under 3 years of age should use only a smear of fluoride toothpaste (or an amount the size of a grain of rice) while a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is recommended for 3 to 6 year olds. Parents and caregivers should always help or supervise children’s oral hygiene, especially at bedtime!
Check with your child’s dentist about your child’s specific fluoride needs as well as other recommendations for good dental health. Your dentist may suggest using a fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. It’s a good idea to have your child visit a dentist for a first checkup by age one.
For more information, you may contact Pediatric Smiles of Bloomington, 309-663-7339. Their office is located at 1112 Trinity Lane in Bloomington.
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