Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong. However, it is important to be aware of your child’s potential sources of fluoride to prevent excessive fluoride ingestion by preschool-aged children. This can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a discoloration of a child's permanent teeth.
Where is fluoride found?Fluoride used in
Dr. Higham's office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash. Two and three year olds may not be able to expectorate (spit out) fluoride when brushing, so it is important to monitor their toothpaste ingestion. Infants younger than six months of age should not be given fluoride fortified vitamins or fluoride supplements. Be sure to check the labels on powdered concentrate infant formula, soy-based infant formula, infant dry cereals, creamed spinach, and infant chicken products, because these foods do often contain high levels of fluoride.
How do I reduce my child’s risk of fluorosis?- Use baby tooth cleanser on the toothbrush of the very young child
- Place only a pea sized drop of children’s toothpaste on the brush when brushing
- Account for all of the sources of ingested fluoride
- Avoid giving any fluoride-containing supplements to infants until they are at least 6 months old
- Obtain fluoride level test results for your drinking water
Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!
-Dr. Higham and team
Thanks to everyone who attended the Free Family Film Festival this summer! Dr. Higham and our team sponsored the film festival, which included showings of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Monsters VS. Aliens, and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. The summer movie series was a huge success! To check out event photos, be sure to "like" the Just 4 KiDDS Facebook page. If you did attend one of the movies, let us know what you thought!
When was the last time that your family enjoyed the Idaho Falls, ID great outdoors? If you’ve been looking for a great educational activity for your preschooler or kindergartener, search no further! Dr. Higham recently came across a great article in Nickelodeon Parents Connect, which we would like to share with you today. We know how important it is for your child to discover the magic of science for themselves. That’s why we invite you to let your imagination run wild and take your children on a summer stargazing expedition!
Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong. However, it is important to be aware of your child’s potential sources of fluoride to prevent excessive fluoride ingestion by preschool-aged children. This can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a discoloration of a child's permanent teeth.
Posts
