Fluoride & Your Child’s Health

All parents want to prevent their kids from getting dental cavities! It can sometimes be tough to make sure you’re doing everything you can to prevent your child from developing dental problems. Fluoride is a simple way to protect your children’s teeth. Below are a few facts about fluoride and how it can improve your family’s dental health.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural compound that comes from fluorine. It has been shown to reverse the early signs of tooth decay and help prevent cavities from developing. The bacteria feeding on the plaque inside the mouth produces acid, which will eat away at the tooth enamel. Fluoride protects and re-mineralizes the teeth, preventing the acid from damaging the enamel.

How Much Fluoride Should My Child Get?

The easiest way to provide your family’s teeth with fluoride is with fluoridated tap water. Around 60% of households in the United States already have fluoridated tap water in their home! You can easily discover how much, if any, fluoride is in the tap water in your area. This number should be anywhere between 0.7 and 1.2 ppm. If you’re in an area where water isn’t fluoridated, there are other ways to supplement it in your family’s diet. Types of toothpaste, mouth rinses, and some bottled water can also contain fluoride. Make sure you check with your child’s dentist how much fluoride your kids should be receiving based on age, size, and other factors.

The best way to help prevent dental problems for your kids is to make sure they receive regular dental cleanings and exams. To make an appointment for your child, please don’t hesitate to contact Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry. Our Greensboro, North Carolina children’s dental office is here to answer questions or address any concerns you may have!