Is Fluoride toothpaste Safe for Kids:
Fluoride is safe and beneficial when used in appropriate amounts according to children`s age , aiding in cavity prevention.
What is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral which occurs naturally in air, soil, plants, rocks, fresh water, seawater, and many foods.
Fluoride also plays a role in the mineralization of our bones and teeth, a process essential for keeping them hard and strong. In fact, about 99% of the body fluoride is stored in bones and teeth.
Sources of fluoride:
Fluoride can be ingested or applied topically to your teeth.
Major sources of fluoride include-
Fluoridated water or salt : Countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States treat their public water supplies with fluoride. The optimal amount of fluoridated water in the US should be around 0.7 milligrams per liter. Fluoridating milk or salt is a possibility in several nations.
The program of fluoridating tap water has been in existence in Toronto since 1963. The modification of amount added is based on guidelines presented by Toronto Public Health and the Canadian Dental Association.
Groundwater : Fluoride is naturally present in groundwater, although the concentration fluctuates. For instance, the water supply in some parts of India contains dangerously high fluoride levels. This could result in major health issues.
Fluoride supplements: These are available as drops or tablets. Fluoride supplements are recommended for children over 6 months of age who have a high risk of developing cavities and live in areas with non-fluoridated water supplies.
Certain foods: Certain foods may absorb fluoride from the soil or be processed with fluoridated water. Older tea leaves may have higher fluoride levels than other foods.
Dental care products: Toothpaste and mouth rinses are among the many dental care products available in the market that contains fluoride as well as in professionally applied varnishes, gels.
Guide values for fluoride-
How much fluoride is healthy? The German Nutrition Society (DGE) has established recommended guide values for total fluoride consumption:
Women: 3.1 mg per day
Men: 3.8 mg per day
However, our typical dietary intake is notably lower: around 0.4 to 0.6 mg per day
Benefits of fluoride-
.Prevent cavities by making the enamel more resistant to acid attacks
.Strengthen weakened tooth enamel by remineralization
.Reverse early tooth decay
.Limit the growth of oral bacteria
.Slow the loss of minerals from tooth enamel
What is the recommended dosage of fluoride in toothpaste for different age groups?
The recommended amount of fluoride in toothpaste varies by age to ensure both effective cavity prevention and safety.
According to American Dental Association[ADA] and World Health Organisation [WHO] guidelines for different age groups are :
Infants and Children [0-3 years old]
Use a toothpaste with fluoride concentration of 1000ppm or less. Use a smear about the size of grain size which typically provides 0.1mg of fluoride per brushing. Brush twice daily under adult supervision to avoid swallowing the toothpaste
Children under 3-6 years :
Use a toothpaste with fluoride concentration of 1000ppm. Use a pea size amount of toothpaste which typically provides 0.2-0.3 mg of fluoride per brushing. Brush thrice daily under adult supervision. Children should be taught to spit out the toothpaste after brushing
Children from age of six:
Use a toothpaste with fluoride concentration of 1000-1500ppm . Use a pea size amount of toothpaste which typically provides 0.3-0.5 mg of fluoride per brushing. Brush thrice daily.
For Adults:
Use a toothpaste with fluoride concentration of 1500pppm. Use a pea size amount of toothpaste which typically provides 0.5mg of fluoride per brushing. Brush twice daily.
For individuals at high risk of tooth decay :
Use a toothpaste containing of 5000ppm. A Single brushing with 1 gram of high strength toothpaste which typically provides 5mg of fluoride. This should be used only under professional supervision.
Risks associated with high fluoride levels :
1.Dental Fluorosis
over exposure to fluoride during tooth development typically under age of 8 years leads to white spots streaks or in severe cases brown discolouration and pitting of enamel occurs .Severity may be cosmetic in mild cases and in severe forms may affect tooth structure.
2.Skeletal Fluorosis
Long term ingestion of very high fluoride levels usually from water above 4ppm or industrial exposure leads to stiffness and joint pain ,bone thickening and increased risk of fractures in advanced cases result in severe bone deformities and immobility.
3.Thyroid related issues:
High fluoride exposure leads to hypothyroidism, fatigue, weight gain, slowed metabolism
4.Neurological effects :
Chronic fluoride exposure may leads to reduced IQ in children
Sources of excessive fluoride-
- .Drinking water with high fluoride levels more than 0.7ppm
- .Swallowing toothpaste or mouthwash especially in children
- .Industrial exposure eg: aluminium smelting, fertilizer plants
- .Over use of fluoride supplements with out professional guidance
Note: At Solitaire Family Dentistry, we specialize in gentle, kid-friendly dental care that keeps little smiles brighter and healthy. Whether its a routine checkup or their first visit, our team is here to make it a positive experience for your child. Schedule your child`s visit today and set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.