Fluorosis is a dental condition characterized by brown specks on the teeth. It is common among kids and occurs due to overexposure to fluoride. While fluoride is essential for oral health, it can be detrimental when used excessively on developing teeth. The teeth of your child are fragile. They are prone to damage when exposed to too much fluoride. You can protect their teeth from fluorosis using the following tips.
Breastfeed Your Child
Ideally, you should breastfeed your child exclusively for the first six months. Breastfeeding reduces their exposure to fluoride. Breastmilk also has vital nutrients required for proper growth and development. The World Health Organization recommends that you continue to breastfeed your child until they are two years old.
Regulate the Amount of Toothpaste
While fluoride promotes healthy teeth, it can be detrimental to developing teeth. The teeth in young children are not strong enough to resist the effects of overexposure to fluoride. Regulate the amount of toothpaste you give your child. Limit the amount to the size of a pea or rice grain until your child is old enough to use regular fluoride toothpaste.
Test Your Water Sources
Tap water is usually fluoridated in most communities. You can protect your little ones by checking the mineral content in your drinking water. You can visit the website of your municipality to determine the amount of fluoride in your water sources. You can also purchase a fluoride test kit to independently monitor the fluoride content in your tap water.
Avoid Mouthwash
Children under eight years should not use mouthwash and other related oral products. Mouthwash contains high concentrations of fluoride that can be harmful to teeth. Your little one might also swallow the mouthwash, leading to stomach upsets and other complications. Avoid giving your child mouthwash until they are old enough to use it correctly.
Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Schedule regular dental checkups for your child to ensure optimal oral health. A pediatric dentist can help your child develop good oral hygiene habits. Contact us today to book an appointment with our pediatric dentist.
San Francisco Dental Arts, 220 Montgomery St Ste. 825, San Francisco, CA 94104 ~ 415-854-9396 ~ thesfdentist.com ~ 12/20/2024 ~ Related Terms: dentist San Francisco CA ~
Fluorosis is a dental condition characterized by brown specks on the teeth. It is common among kids and occurs due to overexposure to fluoride. While fluoride is essential for oral health, it can be detrimental when used excessively on developing teeth. The teeth of your child are fragile. They are prone to damage when exposed to too much fluoride. You can protect their teeth from fluorosis using the following tips.
