What is Fluoride/ Is it safe for my child?
• Fluoride is like vitamins for teeth. It soaks into the tooth enamel and makes it strong. Fluoride is found in most drinking water and toothpaste. • Topical Fluoride is applied to the teeth through fluoride mouthwash, fluoride swish program at school, toothpaste containing fluoride, or fluoride treatments in a dental office. These types of fluoride strengthen teeth that are in your mouth at the time of application. • Systemic fluoride is consumed through drinking water and strengthens teeth that are forming and that havens erupted into your childs mouth. • Both Topical and Systemic Fluoride are important. • Children under 6 years of age may develop fluorosis (discoloration or white spots) if the swallow too much fluoride. Supervise your children when they brush to avoid them ingesting fluoridated toothpaste. • Infants/children should use non-fluoridated toothpaste.