Do Kids Really Need Fluoride? 

Your pediatric dentist in Spring gets asked a lot of questions about fluoride. Is it safe for kids’ teeth? Are fluoride treatments still recommended? What are the benefits of having fluoride applied at dental checkups? Don’t worry, answering parents’ questions is what we do, and questions about fluoride are top on our list. So let’s take a look at why it’s important for your children to get regular fluoride treatments when they visit. 

Why Is Fluoride Important? 

Kids’ smiles need more than just proper at-home care and regular checkups with their pediatric dentist in Spring. This is where fluoride comes in. Fluoride is important for healthy teeth, especially in growing kids. Typically recommended for kids while their teeth are developing, and sometimes for adults too, fluoride treatments are an important part of strengthening teeth and helping keep decay away. 

Teeth undergo a process called demineralization every day. This basically means when acids are left around to eat away at tooth enamel, necessary minerals are removed and teeth are put at increased risk for decay. After this occurs, the minerals, including calcium, phosphate, and fluoride need to be replaced or remineralized, or the tooth will end up with decay and perhaps even a cavity. Fluoride can help with this process, strengthen teeth, and protect them. 

How to Get Fluoride

You and your family can get fluoride in several ways. 

• Some foods and drinks naturally contain fluoride including grape juice and spinach, and many public water systems are fluoridated. 
• Many kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes include fluoride in low levels. 
• Your pediatric dentist can also apply fluoride in the form of a varnish, foam, or gel. These treatments have a higher level of fluoride. 
• Prescription-level toothpaste, mouthwash, or supplements are also available if recommended. 

There ARE Risks 

Not all of the concerns about fluoride are incorrect. There are a few risks associated with fluoride, but if it’s administered by a dentist, and at-home products are monitored by mom or dad, the risks are basically non-existent. Fluoride can be hazardous if used too much. However, it’s extremely difficult to reach this level with fluoridated water, treatments by a pediatric dentist, and at-home products. Just remember not to allow your child to swallow any toothpaste or rinse, no matter how good it tastes.

If your little one is due for a checkup or hasn’t received a preventive fluoride treatment, give your pediatric dentist in Spring a call to schedule an appointment today. We’d love the chance to get to know your child and give her a healthy smile. Give us a call today!

Accepting patients from Spring, The Woodlands, and the entire surrounding area. 

About The Author

Dr. Leslie Blackburn

Dr. Leslie Blackburn always knew she wanted to work with children and decided to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry. She enrolled at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where she received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Master of Science in Dental Education. She finished the last leg of her education at Yale University, where she obtained her certificate in Pediatric Dentistry.

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