Fluoride
Fluoride helps protect our teeth from cavities. However, too much fluoride can cause fluorosis. When children start to brush (at around 3 years of age), they tend to swallow some of the toothpaste. This will increase their exposure to fluoride and increase their risk of developing fluorosis. Supervise your child when they are brushing their teeth to limit this from happening! A dentist will be able to assess whether or not your baby will require the use of fluoride toothpaste, based on their risk of getting tooth decay <1>.
Here are some risk factors for early childhood tooth decay <1>:
1. Living in an area with non-fluoridated water. 2. There is a visible cavity or white spots (fluorosis) on the child’s teeth. 3. The child eats and drinks a lot of foods and liquids that contain sugars. 4. Parents have difficulty brushing the child's teeth. 5. Children that have their teeth brushed less than once daily. 6. The child was born premature. 7. The parent or caregiver has tooth decay. 8. The child has visible plaques on their teeth. |
References:
1. Canadian Dental Association. Use of Fluorides in Caries Prevention. http://www.cda-adc.ca/_files/position_statements/fluoride.pdf Accessed June 26, 2013.
Images:
http://www.planetacurioso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/pasta-dental-animales6.jpg
http://parenting.thewomanlife.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/baby-brush.jpg
1. Canadian Dental Association. Use of Fluorides in Caries Prevention. http://www.cda-adc.ca/_files/position_statements/fluoride.pdf Accessed June 26, 2013.
Images:
http://www.planetacurioso.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/pasta-dental-animales6.jpg
http://parenting.thewomanlife.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/baby-brush.jpg