What is fluoride made from? Is it beneficial to a young child?
Use of the word “Fluoride” covers a wide range of chemicals. In chemistry, there is the basic element fluoride. However, we are usually referring to one of the compounds (fluoride mixed with other elements). Some of this are useful to humans (e.g. calcium fluroide) and some are highly toxic. Most commonly, people refer to either the fluoride added to water supplies, or the fluoride used in dentistry. Neither prevents tooth decay. There is a lot of controversy over the effect of fluoride in water. Maybe some of it is overblown, but some of it may also be very much a problem. Minimising sugars in your diet and cleaning your teeth regularly and properly is how you prevent tooth decay. Take your child to the dentist and have the dentist show the child how to clean his/her teeth. The most susceptible time for tooth decay is during puberty, so extra diligence (e.g. cleaning teeth after every meal) will help. EDIT: Psycho, fluroide does not strengthen teeth. It does not prevent caries. The or
