Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other dental care products are necessary for oral hygiene. But did you know that some of these products have been the subject of controversy? Specifically, many people disagree about fluoride — the essential mineral used in many dental care products.
Let's look at the debate surrounding fluoridated toothpaste and other kids' dental care products so that you can make an informed decision for your family.
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in soil and water. Fluoride is not a drug; it does not need to be prescribed by a dentist or doctor. It's harmless if taken in small quantities unless you have an allergy to fluoride.
Fluoride has been added to toothpaste since the 1940s because research has shown it helps prevent cavities when used correctly over time. There are many types of fluoride available. Some are derived from natural sources like seaweed, while others are artificial chemicals derived from fluorine gas. Some are added to toothpaste as a powder, while others come as drops or tablets.
Health experts say that children over six months need fluoride to prevent future tooth decay. Dentists may recommend fluoride supplements if community water isn't fluoridated or their patients primarily drink bottled water (which doesn't contain fluoride).
Adults also need fluoride, according to experts. It's recommended that adults receive topical fluoride treatments twice a year, especially for those with xerostomia, or dry mouth.
In the early stages of tooth development, fluoride was first thought to be helpful when administered systemically. Fluoride's advantages have seen it being administered in many ways, including water fluoridation, toothpaste, and addition to milk. Such methods have proven essential and advantageous in preventing or treating dental decay and caries.
Concerns have arisen regarding the excessive fluoride intake around the globe, prompting numerous governments to forbid fluoridation.
What are these concerns?
Fluoridated water and cancer risk have long been discussed. For instance, in 1990, National Toxicology Program research indicated an increase in osteosarcomas (bone cancers) in male rats given fluoridated water for two years. The study, however, did not directly link fluoride water to human and animal cancer.
It is challenging to regulate the consumption of fluoridated water because people consume various quantities of water at different times. Patients with renal illness are given fluoride at the same level as healthy people, and youngsters get the same amount as adults.
Furthermore, according to a study, fluoridated water does little to prevent tooth decay. For instance, in low-income countries, water is usually extracted from the ground with a high fluoride concentration, yet tooth decay is still prevalent. It shows that dental decay is not caused by a lack of fluoride but by a lack of dental care.
Contamination with harmful substances is likely during fluoridation (e.g., arsenic). Although certain nations, such as New Zealand, require all suppliers to give analysis certifications indicating the levels of toxins in chemicals added to water, this is not always the case globally.
Maybe you heard from your dentist that fluoride is appropriate for your kids' teeth, but then you looked online and read that it can be toxic. Who's right? What are you supposed to do?
First, don't panic. Toothpaste and other children's dental care products have been around for a long time and have helped keep oral health in check. The latest studies are looking into the chemicals in toothpaste — specifically fluoride — and whether it's helping or hurting our little ones' smiles.
It is essential to care for your kid's oral health from the time they are six months old. Start by wiping their teeth using a soft cloth, which helps them avoid an accumulation of debris that may contribute to decay later in the future. Later, you may switch to a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste once more teeth come in.
At their tender age, children swallow fluoride while they brush their teeth - this becomes problematic because they can ingest it. To avoid swallowing, supervise your child and make sure they bend their head down while brushing. It's okay for them to swallow small amounts as it will not cause any problems. If they consume large quantities, they can develop stomach upsets.
Pro
When used in the correct quantity, fluoride toothpaste promotes caries lesion remineralization. When acidic foods and bacteria contact your teeth, they can dissolve the enamel, making it weaker and more susceptible to decay. Fluoride helps reverse this process by combining minerals in your tooth tissue and strengthening them into an ionic bond. This action is known as remineralization because it reinforces or adds missing minerals to tooth enamel (the hard outer layer).
Con
When used in excess, fluoride can produce dental fluorosis — a discoloration of the teeth that typically consists of opaque white markings, lines, or mottled enamel. It occurs when children are subjected to excess fluoride during the crucial period their teeth develop - between birth and approximately nine years old. Early fluorosis exposure can make the child more susceptible to tooth decay.
Fluoride remains an essential component used in toothpaste in the fight against plaque and cavities. Consider all the sources your child comes into contact with to avoid excessive intake. When it comes to fluoride toothpaste for kids, you need to choose a brand with an ADA seal of acceptance since it has the recommended quantity of fluoride.
The most important consideration is that your children maintain healthy dental hygiene habits, stay away from sweets (as much as possible!), and regularly visit their dentist to prevent cavities before they start.
