Let’s talk fluoride.

You may have heard that fluoride can help stop cavities. Maybe you have heard that some parents aren’t so sure about fluoride treatments for their kids. Perhaps you’ve tried to do some research of your own and gotten overwhelmed.

We get it!

There is a lot of information (and misinformation) out there about fluoride – What it is, its benefits and whether it is safe for kids. At Pediatric Dentistry of Shreveport-Bossier, we get questions about pediatric fluoride treatments all the time, so we’re here to set the record straight.

Starting with the basics. What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been discovered throughout the earth’s crust and can be found extensively in nature. Some foods and drinks (like fruits, veggies and tea), even contain fluoride.

It is common for public water supplies to be fluoridated. As far back as the 1930s, researchers found that communities with public fluoridated water had up to two-thirds less cavities than areas without it. It has since been proven time and time again that when fluoride is added to a community’s water supply, there is a significant reduction in decayed, missing, and filled baby teeth and permanent teeth.

Fluoride works by concentrating in your kiddos’ growing bones and developing teeth. It helps to harden the enamel on baby teeth, as well as on permanent teeth before they even emerge. Once permanent adult teeth have emerged, fluoride continues to help harden the enamel of the teeth, which can prevent cavities and decay.

Is Fluoride Safe for Kids?

Short answer – YES!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) confirms that the use of fluoride as a preventive against cavities and tooth decay is safe and effective. At PDSB, we agree with the AAPD and highly encourage boosting your children’s fluoride exposure to reduce risk and re-mineralize tooth structures.

And not only is fluoride safe for your children’s teeth, it’s good for you wallet too. It’s been proven that long-term use of pediatric fluorides can lower the cost of oral health care for children by as much as 50 percent!

How is Fluoride Applied?

There are 3 easy ways you can make sure your child can make sure is getting enough fluoride.

  1. Publicly fluoridated drinking water or fluoridated bottled water if not publically available
  2. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day (Ask us about our toothpaste recommendations at your child’s next appointment.)
  3. In-office, professionally applied fluoride treatments

Talk to Us about Fluoride at Your Child’s Next Appointment

Hopefully this blog has helped you to understand that fluoride treatments for kids are a safe and effective – not to mention easy – way to help keep your kids’ teeth healthy and their smiles happy.

We’re happy to walk you through any other questions you may have about the proven safety of fluoride treatments or any concerns you may have about if your child is getting enough fluoride. We offer and encourage in-office fluoride treatments at regularly scheduled appointments. Call us today!