We here at Northwest Children's Dentistry get a lot of questions about fluoride. Fluoride is an important part of your child's dental health. Research has shown that fluoride reduces cavities and helps repair the early stages of tooth decay, even before the decay becomes visible.
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources, even the oceans. It is safe when administered in proper doses, which is something your dentist can talk to you about.
Leading health organizations, including the American Dental Association, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry support community water fluoridation based on the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence, which continues to establish that it is safe and effective.
Because Tucson is only one of 6 major U.S. cities who don't fluoridate tap water, we believe in children using fluoride toothpaste. We typically recommend fluoride toothpaste for patients at 2 years of age. However, depending on your child’s specific risk for tooth decay, we may recommend using fluoride toothpaste earlier than 2 years old.
At 2 years old, it is best to use a smear amount of toothpaste. By age 5, a pea-sized amount is recommended. Swallowing this small amount of toothpaste is safe, but there is no harm in beginning to teach your child to spit out the toothpaste as early as possible.
As your pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to help you manage all your children's dental needs. If you have any questions about your child's dental health, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.
About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists
Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are a husband and wife team providing general dentistry for kids in Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and surrounding areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children as your local Tucson dentist. If you’re looking for a kids dentist in Tucson, contact us today!