Fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste which plays a role in maintaining healthy teeth and preventing cavities. However, many parents are still hesitant to use fluoride toothpaste on their children because they are worried about the risks. Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. This mineral has an important role in maintaining healthy teeth and preventing cavities, so it is commonly found in toothpaste.
The main benefit of fluoride is that it strengthens tooth enamel, namely the outer layer of teeth that protects them from damage. Fluoride helps tooth enamel become more resistant to acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, thereby preventing cavities.
Apart from that, fluoride also helps the remineralization process, which is the process of restoring tooth enamel that has been damaged by acid. Fluoride can help damaged teeth to repair and prevent further damage. Drg. Alana Aluditasari, a dentist specializing in pediatric dentistry, explains the benefits and risks of fluoride content in children's toothpaste.
"The main need for teeth is the fluoride content," said Alana on Monday, March 18 2024. The need for fluoride toothpaste for children begins when the child's first tooth grows. "Use fluoride toothpaste specifically for children from the moment the first teeth emerge," explained Alana.
This indicates the importance of dental treatment with fluoride as early as possible in children. Even though fluoride content can be found in mineral water and some foods, there is no guarantee that the water and food consumed by children can meet children's fluoride needs. Therefore, it can be fulfilled through toothpaste.
Adjust Toothpaste Use for Children
Currently, there are 2 types of toothpaste, namely for children and for adults. What is different is usually the content in the toothpaste and there are several flavorings in children's toothpaste to make your little one more comfortable when brushing their teeth.
Parents should ensure that children use children's toothpaste until they are 7 years old. "It has to be a special children's toothpaste, because the difference is the fluoride level. In adult toothpaste, the fluoride level is higher, while in children's toothpaste the fluoride level is small," explained Alana.
So, it is important for parents to adjust the use of toothpaste to their children so that the content is appropriate. Apart from the type of toothpaste, parents must also pay attention to the amount they use. For children under 2 years of age, the amount of toothpaste that can be used is the size of a grain of rice, while for children over 3 years of age, the amount of toothpaste that can be used is the size of a pea.
Dangers of Consuming Too Much Fluoride
Although fluoride has many benefits for dental health, excessive consumption of fluoride can cause negative side effects. Special children's toothpastes usually come with several flavorings that can make children happy to swallow. However, parents must be aware of this.
Alana explained that, "Don't snack on the toothpaste. Why? Because too much fluoride will have an effect on his teeth which will become brittle. So, if he doesn't have enough fluoride he will be brittle, too much fluoride will make him brittle too."
Consuming too much fluoride will lead to fluorosis, which is a condition where the teeth will have white spots and tooth brittleness. "Excessive anything is not good, so just follow the dosage. If you only follow the dosage 2 to 3 times a day, it's definitely safe," said Alana.
