Fluoride and your child, from Dr. Higham

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