Is fluoride safe? Recently, many people have wondered how necessary and safe fluoride is. Additionally, a new and sometimes unheard option is hydroxyapatite.
Read this FAQ to learn all about fluoride and hydroxyapatite and which is the best and safest choice for you and your children.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral widely used in dental care because it improves and strengthens tooth enamel and prevents cavities. However, it’s use has been debated in recent years over the safety and necessity of putting fluoride in the water. In this first section, we will answer your most frequently asked questions about fluoride.
Why would a kid need fluoride?
Fluoride integrates into the molecular structure of tooth enamel, making it more resistant to bacteria and sugars that cause cavities in children. It is used pediatrically for remineralization of teeth and cavity prevention.
Because of its low cost, it is a widely available mineral: it is generally found in toothpaste, dentists’ treatments, and even water, and it is present in almost every state in the United States.
Is our water mixed with fluoride?
In the United States, water is usually mixed with a supplemental amount of fluoride. The exception is in Utah, where new legislation will take effect on May 7, 2025, to ban the addition of fluoride to public drinking water. Although communities will be prohibited from adding fluoride to water, individuals will still be allowed to get prescriptions for fluoride supplementation.
Although water fluoridation is considered a public health measure to prevent cavities, North Dakota and Tennessee are joining the debate on mandatory fluoridation and considering banning fluoride in water. This debate stems from studies indicating that high amounts of fluoride can cause some problems, such as dental fluorosis.
What is dental fluorosis?
Excessive fluoridation has potential associated risks. One of these risks is dental fluorosis (also known as mottled enamel), which is especially worrisome in children, as they are forming the enamel, a protective layer of the tooth. Dental fluorosis usually presents with brown stains on the teeth in the most severe cases. Since most commercial toothpastes have fluoride added, to avoid dental fluorosis, you should:
Recommend children to never swallow toothpaste.
Start using fluoride toothpaste once your kid turns three.
Use only a small amount of toothpaste (usually pea-sized).
Consult with your dentist whether fluoridation as a supplement is necessary for each individual case.
If the damage from dental fluorosis is too great, cosmetic and whitening treatments can be used on teeth. Additionally, once your kid turns eight years old, the risk of developing dental fluorosis diminishes, as the enamel of permanent teeth is already formed.
How about breastfeeding and giving formula with fluoride water?
Another frequently asked question when fluoridating water is whether it is safe to mix formula with water when babies are still young. Although using fluoridated water to prepare formula may increase the risk of dental fluorosis, most cases are mild.
It is not necessary to supplement fluoride for infants who are breastfeeding or taking infant formula.
If you prefer not to use fluoride before your baby’s first tooth erupts, you can prepare the formula using fluoride-free water.
Could Fluoride be linked to my kid’s IQ?
Some studies (including U.S. government studies) have described the possibility that too high a level of fluoride may be linked to lower IQ scores in children. However, the levels in these studies are higher than the levels added in the US.
A recent analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics raised questions about whether it is safe to fluoridate water, especially for pregnant women and young babies, as children’s IQ may be affected. However, to reach meaningful conclusions, we need more studies on the topic.
What are some pros and cons of fluoride?
Some fluoride pros include:
It prevents tooth decay
It improves the enamel
It saves costs
Some fluoride cons include the following points:
The possibility of dental fluorosis
The possibility of overexposure
Supervision needed from the parents
What is hydroxyapatite?
Another mineral that is naturally occurring is hydroxyapatite. In recent years, it has emerged as a safe alternative to fluoride. Hydroxyapatite has the following applications useful for pediatric dental procedures:
Remineralizes teeth
Prevents cavities
Non-toxic
Reduces pain in children with hypomineralization
For pediatric patients, hydroxyapatite offers an effective solution as an alternative to fluoride.
What is hydroxyapatite toothpaste?
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a product specifically designed to be fluoride-free and to improve the mineral composition of the tooth, improving the enamel. Let’s analyze some key points of hydroxyapatite:
Remineralization: Hydroxyapatite particles fill the spaces in the enamel and restore its protective layer.
Reduction of sensitivity: This mineral also occludes the dental tubules, decreasing hypersensitivity and pain in the teeth.
Reduction of bacterial adhesion: Studies show that cavities are less likely to develop when using hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
Some individuals may have allergies to other products added to hydroxyapatite toothpaste, such as additives like xylitol or glycerin.
Can we use hydroxyapatite in preventive dental care?
Yes, Hydroxyapatite (HAp) is recognized as a safe replacement for fluorine. It can help in some specific aspects, such as:
Prevent tooth decay
Remineralize teeth
Prevent gingivitis or gum disease
Protect against tooth erosion
Hydroxyapatite is a fluoride-free alternative for the prevention of dental problems. Although it is more expensive than fluoride, many odontologists prefer it.
Is hydroxyapatite safe for children?
One of the greatest advantages of hydroxyapatite is the low risk it poses to children, unlike fluoride.
Hydroxyapatite can be ingested, and clinical research so far labels it as safe for children of all ages.
What are some of the cons of hydroxyapatite?
Even though hydroxyapatite has numerous advantages, there are some limitations for pediatric use. Compared to fluorine-containing products, some hydroxyapatite cons include the following:
Higher cost: The cost of hydroxyapatite compared to fluoride is significantly higher.
Fewer studies: There are decades of studies on fluorine, while hydroxyapatite is relatively new.
More difficult to obtain: Obtaining hydroxyapatite can be more difficult, so not many parents will opt for this option.
Which should I choose for my kid? Fluoride or Hydroxyapatite?
In the end, it is up to each parent to decide whether to use fluoride toothpaste or hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Now that you know the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision.
Your child’s overall state of health can be affected by the condition of their gums and teeth. For this very reason, your child’s pediatrician will talk to you about good dental habits for kids before their first tooth even erupts. It’s also why it’s so important to get your children to the dentist by the age of one to start regular checkups. Read more about this in our post, “At What Age Should You Take Your Child to the Dentist?”
Once your child’s very first tooth comes in, it is recommended by pediatricians and pediatric dentists that they started getting fluoride varnish treatments in order to help prevent tooth decay. Watch the video below to hear Dr. Jason Horgesheimer talk about the benefits of fluoride varnishes at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry.
Why are Fluoride Varnishes Important?
Fluoride varnishes are used to protect the teeth and to help prevent tooth decay. These fluoride treatments can be done two or four times per year. How often you get the treatments for your child is directly related to how likely it would be for your child to get a cavity.
“One of the benefits of coming to the dentist on a regular six-month basis is a fluoride treatment. Fluoride varnishes are simply smeared on the teeth and it’s very beneficial to intercept small little cavities. One or two applications of these fluoride varnishes can actually remineralize or strengthen these cavities so that we don’t need to actually restore them with a filling.” – Dr. Jason
While there are some pediatricians who will apply fluoride varnishes at their office, it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that the fluoride varnishes are applied at a dental office instead. Keep reading to learn more valuable information from the AAP regarding the use of fluoride varnish.
What is a Fluoride Varnish?
This is a type of dental treatment that can help prevent cavities and tooth decay, slow down the progression of tooth decay, or stop it altogether. Fluoride varnish is made with the mineral fluoride that’s known to strengthen the outer coating on the teeth, which is known as enamel.
It is important to realize that fluoride varnish treatments alone cannot completely prevent the formation of cavities. However, fluoride varnish treatments can help to prevent tooth decay and cavities when a child is also brushing their teeth with the right amount of fluoridated toothpaste, flossing regularly, eating a healthy diet, and visiting their pediatric dentist on a regular basis.
Are Fluoride Varnish Treatments Safe?
Fluoride varnish is safe. They are used by dentists and doctors around the entire world to help prevent cavities and prevent tooth decay from getting worse. The treatment alone contains a very small amount of fluoride and hardly any of it is swallowed. It hardens quickly immediately after it is applied. Then after four to twelve hours, it is brushed off.
Most children enjoy the taste of fluoride treatments as they are quite palatable. Some of the brands could make your child’s teeth appear yellow or dull, but this goes away once the treatment is brushed off.
How is Fluoride Varnish Applied to My Child’s Teeth?
The tincture which is known as the fluoride varnish is simply painted on the tops and the sides of each tooth with a little brush. At first, the substance may feel a bit sticky but as soon as it comes into contact with saliva it hardens. While your child might be able to feel the hardened varnish, they are not able to lick the varnish off of their teeth.
No pain is involved during the application process. However, some small children may still cry because they are fearful of the procedure. Brushing the varnish onto the teeth only takes a couple of minutes, and if the child is crying it can actually be applied at that time as their mouth will be slightly opened. In the case of small children, you may be asked to hold your child in your lap while you sit knee-to-knee with the person who is applying the varnish.
How Should I Care for My Child’s Teeth After the Fluoride Varnish is Applied?
Once the varnish has been applied to your child’s teeth, there are some general guidelines that you should pay attention to regarding the proper care for their teeth. Your doctor or pediatric dentist may offer other special instructions, so be sure to review with them as well.
Your child can start eating right after the varnish has been applied, but needs to avoid hot foods and drinks. Only cold and warm foods or liquids should be consumed right after the treatment.
Wait at least four to six hours before the child brushes or flosses their teeth. Many dentists will advise you to wait until the next morning to do so. Be sure that you instruct your child to spit everything out during the brushing of the fluoride varnish.
Other Reminders to Maintain Your Child’s Dental Health
Be sure your child is receiving care by a dentist who is specially trained to work with pediatric patients.
Ensure that your child receives enough – but not too much – fluoride.
Fluoride and fluoride varnishes are never meant to be swallowed. Be sure your child understands this.
Remind your child and check on them to be sure they are performing tooth brushing and flossing regularly.
Provide a healthy, balanced diet for your child full of fruits and vegetables.
It’s advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics to take your infant in for an oral health risk assessment by age six months or when their first tooth comes in (whichever comes first). This is especially true if the parents or other members of the family are especially prone to caries and tooth decay. Regardless, it’s important to have the child’s dental “home” established by their first birthday.
Do you have a baby that needs to be scheduled for their first check-up? Do you have children that are in need of fluoride varnish? Whatever the case may be, call the South Davis Pediatric Dentistry at (801) 294-8880 to get an appointment set up today. Physicians and parents throughout Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, and Kaysville trust us for their child’s dental health needs, and so can you.
As parents, we sometimes take the wrong steps or apply home remedies that may harm our kids’ teeth. Correct dental care in children is essential to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental health issues throughout their lifetime.
Let’s examine some common dental care mistakes to avoid in children, and what expert advice is available to preserve their smiles.
7 Common dental care mistakes
What are some common dental care mistakes to avoid?
As parents, we normally try to protect our children from harm. However, kids don’t come with an instruction manual that tells us what we might be doing wrong or how to avoid making mistakes. Let’s take a look at some common dental mistakes and analyze some tips to improve our kids’ dental care routines.
Prolonged use of pacifiers and bottles
We get it: pacifiers can really help calm a kid down. However, extending the use of a pacifier beyond six months or even allowing bottles of milk or juice at bedtime can cause big-time problems for teeth, such as:
Misalignment of teeth
Tooth decay
Improper development of the palate
Expert solution: Experts recommend limiting pacifiers to the first six months and stopping their use by age two. They also encourage the transition to sippy cups or regular cups by age one, rather than bottles, to avoid prolonged exposure to sugars that can damage teeth.
Ignoring destructive habits like thumb-sucking
Many young children have specific habits, such as thumb-sucking, that could be harming them greatly. Long-term thumb-sucking or nail-biting may affect tooth development and alignment.
Expert solution: Parents should intervene gently to help children replace these habits with healthier alternatives before permanent teeth are affected. For example, you can replace thumb-sucking with:
A stress ball
A favorite stuffed animal
Positive reinforcement strategies
Remember to avoid punishing or shaming kids for these habits. Instead, we can work with patience and consistency, remembering that they are little and still learning.
Incorrect Tooth Brushing Practices
Some incorrect practices when brushing teeth include:
Incorrect toothbrush size: Children often use the wrong toothbrush size; parents can replace them with toothbrushes sized appropriately for the child.
Hard bristles: Children need soft-bristle toothbrushes for their teeth.
Neglecting tooth surfaces: Parents and dentists can teach children to brush at a 45-degree angle and to brush all tooth surfaces.
Brushing for too short a period: Children should brush their teeth for at least two minutes, twice daily, to effectively remove plaque.
Expert solution: As parents, we should always ask our dental professionals about brushing techniques.
Improper use of toothpaste
Using too much fluoride toothpaste can cause dental fluorosis, while too little reduces cavity protection. The recommendation is a rice-sized amount for children under three years and a pea-sized amount for ages three to six.
Expert solution: The recommendation is to:
Give a rice-sized smear of toothpaste for children under 3.
Give a pea-sized amount to kids aged 3 to 6.
Supervision is important to prevent swallowing excess toothpaste.
Neglecting diet and sugar exposure
Frequent consumption of sugary snacks and drinks leads to tooth decay, both for children and for adults. More damaging than the quantity of sugar is the frequency of consumption. Every time a child eats sugar, acid attacks the tooth enamel.
Expert solution: As parents, we should limit our family’s consumption of sugary foods and encourage a balanced diet to promote oral health. We can also encourage the habit of choosing water over sugary drinks. Remember to set the example for healthy living.
Excessive dependence on home remedies for tooth pain
Sometimes, our children experience tooth pain, and instead of acknowledging this pain or consulting a dental professional, some parents rely on home remedies. Some of these remedies for toothache or oral pain, like applying aspirin directly to the teeth or using home concoctions, can cause irritation or damage in the short and long term.
Expert solution: It is always safer to consult a pediatric dentist rather than rely on unverified remedies.
Missing out on professional preventive measures
Thinking that we only need the dentist when a problem arises is a major mistake.
Regular dentist appointments can help children access dental preventive measures, such as sealants, that protect their back teeth from cavities.
Expert solution: Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that dentists apply onto the surfaces of molars and premolars, and they can prevent up to 80 percent of cavities. They should be discussed with your dental professional.
Extra tips to improve dental care for your kids
Apart from avoiding the seven most common mistakes, introducing some proactive habits can actually set your child up for a lifetime of health and happiness:
Go to the dentist early
Your kid should have their first dental visit within six months of the appearance of the primary tooth, or by the age of one at the latest. The first visit is crucial in establishing the “dental home” – a long-term, continuous, and ongoing relationship with a pediatric dentist. These office visits are educational, not therapeutic.
Know how to handle dental issues
Accidents happen, and children are often susceptible to falls and sports injuries. Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can save a tooth. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time is critical:
Locate the tooth: Handle it only by the crown (the top), avoiding the root.
Keep it moist: Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible. If not, place it in milk or a glass of saline solution. Don’t use water.
Seek immediate care: Go directly to the pediatric dentist or emergency room.
Turn routine into fun, family time
Brushing teeth is a chore for most children. As a parent, your responsibility is to make the two-minute time period non-negotiable, but fun. For example, you can help your kid with:
Apps and music: Use an app that features a two-minute song or game and teach the child where to brush their teeth.
Reward charts: Have a sticker or reward chart for every successful two-minute brush. Rewards can be anything, perhaps it’s extra time reading a book or choosing the next family movie.
Brushing buddies: Encourage the child to role play that they brush the teeth of a favorite stuffed animal or doll to practice the skill.
Improve oral health and get healthy smiles
If you combine avoiding these dental care mistakes and the extra tips, you will protect your family’s teeth. That way, you can maintain a radiant, healthy smile for years to come.
Are you a parent wondering how to cope with brushing your kid’s teeth?
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is crucial for children’s overall health and confidence. As parents, knowing how often your child should brush their teeth can help prevent some problems, like:
Cavities
Gum disease
Infections
Diverse oral health problems that might stem from cavities, such as impaired eating and speaking
In this article, we will explore more about the best brushing practices for kids, such as how many times children need to brush their teeth daily, the differences between brushing once, twice, or three times a day, and practical tips to encourage good dental habits for life.
Why should children brush their teeth?
When you brush your children’s teeth, you remove plaque. Plaque includes a sticky, bacteria-filled film and food particles that accumulate throughout the day. If plaque is not removed daily, it causes tooth decay (also known as cavities), gum inflammation, and bad breath.
Children are especially prone to cavities because they snack frequently and consume sugary drinks. An early brushing routine protects teeth as they grow and develop.
How often should children brush? The professional recommendation
Main dental organizations recommend that children brush their teeth twice daily: once in the morning, and once before bedtime.
But why? Let’s find out the difference between brushing once, twice, and three times a day.
What about brushing once a day?
Brushing once a day is definitely better than no brushing at all. However, it’s not enough if you want to provide optimum oral hygiene for your kids. One daily brushing session can leave plaque on teeth for too long, potentially resulting in cavities and gum problems. As a parent, you can assist your children in brushing twice daily to most effectively prevent these problems.
Is brushing three times a day better?
Three daily brushings (after meals) are routinely recommended for children with a higher need. Higher dental needs include children with:
Dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns
Braces
History of cavities
Three daily brushings can also reduce tooth decay risk and improve overall oral health, especially in teenagers and children at high risk for dental problems.
However, if your kid needs to brush three times a day, you’ll want to do it with care to avoid damaging the tooth enamel. For example, after having acidic foods and drinks, you need to wait for about 30 minutes after the meal to brush. In this case, brushing immediately after eating wears away enamel.
Consider using a soft-bristle toothbrush and brushing gently to protect your kid’s enamel and teeth.
Is two the perfect number for brushing?
For most children, twice daily is sufficient and ideal. Two times a day is the minimum routine for brushing away food debris and plaque buildup and maintaining healthy gums and teeth:
The morning brush clears bacteria and food debris from breakfast
The night brushing washes the teeth after dinner and evening snacks
This twice-a-day routine prevents overnight plaque buildup and tooth decay. This frequency is also a balance between being strong enough to break down damaging buildup without wearing away tooth enamel, especially when brushing with good technique and timing. If your kid brushes their teeth twice a day, it might significantly reduce the risk of getting cavities, gum disease, and other dental complications.
Other considerations
Although it can be time-consuming, it helps to stay consistent with your child’s brushing routine. Kids need gentle reminders and your example to start doing it on their own. Additionally, consider the technique, time, and the age of your kid.
Brushing time and technique are as crucial as frequency
Two factors to take into consideration when brushing are the duration and method, as they can make a significant difference. Children must:
Brush for at least two minutes per session to get all the tooth surfaces properly cleaned.
Use a child-sized toothbrush with soft bristles suitable for children’s smaller mouths.
Gently brush in circles on the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces of all the teeth.
Use an adequate amount of toothpaste.
Young children require supervision to be capable of brushing effectively and not swallowing toothpaste.
As a parent, you need to be present in creating a twice-a-day routine for your kids, ensuring their teeth are properly brushed, and helping them have a good time while doing so.
Age-specific recommendations
Here are some recommendations for different age gaps.
Infants (6-12 months): Wipe gums with a soft cloth and brush teeth once a day as soon as the first tooth erupts.
Toddlers (1-2 years): Begin twice a day brushing with a small smear of toothpaste.
Preschoolers (3-5 years): Brush twice a day and promote independence, still assisting as needed.
School-Age Children (6-12 years): Twice a day brushing to continue. Provide parental supervision to ensure a good technique.
Adolescents (13+ years): Brush twice a day on their own; more frequent brushing should be encouraged for orthodontic care.
As you can see, as soon as a new tooth erupts, you need to start a routine with your kid for brushing twice a day.
Achieve optimum oral health for your children and for you
To achieve optimum oral health, children should brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. So, remember:
Brushing once a day is not enough.
While brushing three times a day can have additional benefits (especially for high-risk children), you should try to avoid eroding the enamel by brushing softly.
Avoid brushing immediately after a meal, especially after consuming acidic foods.
Two times a day is usually the perfect number: create a routine for your children to care for their teeth.
Parents play a significant role in encouraging healthy habits. These habits set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. You play a vital role in maintaining your child’s healthy smile.
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