Should I give my toddler fluoride toothpaste?

Toddlers are constantly growing and developing, and their teeth are no exception. As a parent, it can be difficult to know the correct or recommended products to be using on your child, especially when it comes to their teeth. In this article, we will look at what fluoride is, when the right time is for your children to start using fluoride products, and how they can benefit your child’s developing teeth.

What is fluoride?

The fluoride which is found in toothpaste is, in fact, a mineral, which is found naturally in the water, soil and air. The fluoride levels in the water can vary depending on your location, and where your water supply is sourced from.
Fluoride is also added to many public water supplies, as it has many beneficial uses, such as:

• Preventing and reversing early tooth decay.
• Lowering the loss of minerals from the enamel.
• Strengthening weakened enamel.
• Controlling oral bacterial growth.
• Preventing cavities from forming.

Should I be giving fluoride toothpaste to my toddler?

It is important to practice good oral health with your child from the start. As a baby
you only need to wipe your child’s mouth with a cloth to remove the bacteria.
However, when their teeth to start to come through, you should being using fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush to remove the bacteria and excess food from their mouth.
It is recommended that you use a small- rice grain size amount of tooth paste to begin with.

How can I help them brush their teeth?

You should always be on hand with your children as they begin brushing their teeth. Young children still need to be brushing their teeth twice a day for two minutes.
When choosing the right toothpaste, go for fluoride toothpaste which contains at least 1000 ppm of fluoride.
Make sure your children are not swallowing or eating the toothpaste too, as this can be dangerous for them.

How safe is fluoride to use?

Fluoride is completely safe to use for what it is meant for- brushing. However ingesting fluoride toothpaste can lead to stomach aches and associated problems. This can be remedied by eating or drinking dairy products, as the calcium found in them will bind to fluoride.
If high ingestion of fluoride is continued, dental fluorosis could develop and damage to the enamel, leading to white stains on the teeth.

If you are looking for further information, require a dental appointment, or are looking for cosmetic surgery such as teeth whitening in Solihull, why not contact Ascent Dental Care Solihull today, for a tailored and friendly service.

Looking for more information?

Require a dental appointment, or are looking for cosmetic surgery such as teeth whitening in Solihull, why not contact Ascent Dental Care Solihull today, for a tailored and friendly service.