FLUORIDE AND KIDS - A GUIDE FOR MOMSOphir Alalouf

Introduction As a pediatric dentist in Rockville, MD, Dr. Ophir Alalouf takes care

of the dental and oral health needs of children in preschool through their teen years. Currently the owner of Kids Teeth, LLC, Ophir Alalouf, DDS, is a member of the American Dental Association, which just released “A Mom’s Guide to Fluoride.”

More than 25 percent of America’s children have had cavities by age four. Fluoride present in water and in toothpaste helps prevent cavities by making teeth stronger. The mouth is home to bacteria which feed on sugars in food and beverages. This bacteria produces acid that corrodes the outer shell (the enamel) of teeth, causing decay. Fluoride strengthens the enamel, making it more resistant to acid and preventing cavities. 

Mothers should not be troubled about their children drinking fluoridated water, as it helps their children maintain healthy teeth.

Fluoride and Kids Sodas, beverages, and juice, on the other hand, contain sugars that

contribute to cavities and weight gain. Always check whether bottled water has fluoride to confirm your family is getting the fluoride they need.

When brushing your little one’s first teeth, use a child-sized toothbrush and a grain-of-rice-sized smear of toothpaste. This helps spread fluoride onto the child’s teeth without him or her swallowing too much. At about age three, when your child is better at spitting, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. 

Sometimes, a dentist may recommend fluoride treatment for your child. These treatments strengthen teeth and may even help early cavities heal. Fluoride treatments are simple and painless. The dentist basically applies a thin layer of fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth and lets it dry. Many children actually enjoy the procedure because of the varnish’s pleasant taste.