3 Fluoride Sources You Should Monitor for Your Family’s Dental Health

We know fluoride is critical to the health of a child’s teeth, but did you know too much fluoride can cause problems just like too little? It’s true. Children who get too much fluoride over too long a period develop enamel fluorosis. Enamel fluorosis causes the surface of the enamel to take on a streaky or mottled appearance, much like a deep-set stain in the teeth themselves. The tooth is otherwise undamaged, but the stained appearance of the teeth does not go away.

Monitor these 3 Fluoride Sources for your family’s dental health

• Your water system. Your local water supply is likely fortified with added fluoride. It’s a fact that this helps prevent tooth decay. It’s so effective that 75% of US water systems fluoridate their water. Your local city or municipal water system can tell you how much fluoride is in your water supply. The US government recommends no more than .7 parts per million.
• Your toothpaste. Many toothpaste brands contain fluoride due to its efficacy in strengthening teeth and reducing cavities. However, fluoride that’s swallowed builds up rapidly in the body. As young children swallow more toothpaste than older kids and adults, they can build up a level of fluoride high enough to cause enamel fluorosis. Kids under 2 should have only a fraction of a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, while older kids can have a pea-sized amount.
• Bottled Water. There’s no requirement for manufacturers and bottlers to note the level of fluoride present in drinks. Juice, sodas, and water can contain different amounts of fluoride. Bottled water noted “de-ionized,” “distilled,” or “purified” usually has low to no fluoride.

See us at Tamborello Dentistry when you need a dentist to make sure your smile is at its best at any age! We offer comprehensive dentistry, including a full range of pediatric dental services.