Fluoride

It has a positive effect on oral health by making teeth more resistant to decay. It is beneficial to children in particular, as their teeth are growing and developing. Children benefit from fluoride before their teeth have even erupted. This is because it can nourish and support dental development while the teeth are still below the gum line.

There are many sources, including fluoridated toothpaste, drinking water that contains optimal levels of fluoride, and by a dental professional, varnishes painted on the teeth, mouth rinses or mouthwashes, gels and foams applied to the teeth, and supplements in the form of drops or tablets. Generally, children under the age of 6 do not require any special form of rinse. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years, however, your dentist might recommend drops or tablets, as well as fluoridated toothpaste, or by way of the application of gels, foams, and varnishes. It is important to assess whether your child would benefit from treatment, as too much fluoride than is required, in children under the age of 6, could cause fluorosis. While fluorosis is not a disease and does not affect the health of teeth, it causes a subtle appearance of faint white lines or streaks on the teeth that only occur when younger children consume too much fluoride over long periods of time when teeth are developing under the gums. Since many areas have water containing fluoride, your child may be getting enough. Your SmileCode Dental professional can determine whether your child would benefit from fluoride treatment.