Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Dental Care of Lombard! We certainly have a lot to be thankful for – number one being all of our amazing patients! But as experts in children’s dentistry, we also have to mention how grateful we are for fluoride! Though this mineral is vital for everyone, it is a key component in protecting children’s teeth from decay.
At our Lombard, IL, office, Dr. Julie Glud and her team offer all aspects of children’s dentistry, including fluoride varnishes. We can also provide guidance to ensure that your child is getting enough fluoride in his or her diet.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Dental Care of Lombard today.
What is fluoride?
When bacteria and starches remain in your mouth, they will attack and weaken the dental enamel. This process is called demineralization. If the enamel is not remineralized by consuming calcium, phosphate, and fluoride, bacteria gain access to the softer underlying dental tissues. Over time, a cavity can form.
Fluoride strengthens dental enamel so that it is less subject to demineralization. It also helps to fight bacteria and can even reverse early-stage dental decay.
How to Make Sure Your Child Is Getting Enough Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in food, water, and even the air. However, these only contain trace amounts, which is why most American communities add fluoride to their drinking water. In Lombard and most communities in DuPage county, the water is fluoridated. You can check your area’s fluoridation status by visiting the CDC website.
The best way to ensure adequate fluoride intake for your child is to drink municipal water. Most in-home water filters will not remove this important mineral.
Children should also use a fluoridated toothpaste. If your child is under two, check with your children’s dentistry expert to see whether he or she should be using fluoride. And make sure that kids are using an appropriate amount. For babies and toddlers, use a drop of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. For children over age 3, a pea-sized amount is appropriate.
If your child is at risk for tooth decay or has a history of recurring cavities, your children’s dentistry expert may recommend a fluoride varnish. She will apply a liquid to your child’s teeth, which will quickly harden. Your child will swallow a negligible amount of fluoride, if any.
Dispelling the Fluoride Myths
Some researchers claim that fluoride is linked to serious health conditions. And it’s true that at high levels, fluoride is toxic. However, most municipal water sources are carefully regulated so that they do not contain more than the recommended amount.
Very small children and vulnerable adults are more subject to the toxic effects of fluoride. If you use baby formula, be sure to prepare it with bottled water, rather than filtered tap water.
Contact Us for Outstanding Children’s Dentistry
To learn more about children’s dental health or to find out if your little one would benefit from a fluoride treatment, reach out to our office.
You can contact us online or call us at 630-629-5700.
