Microorganisms in our mouths utilize the sugars in our food and drink to create an acid that damages our teeth.

Fluoride is a vital element that preserves our teeth, especially in young children. Too much fluoride, however, can damage our teeth by causing dental fluorosis.

Dental fluorosis causes the teeth to seem somewhat different, generally with very subtle white specks. The type of fluorosis that is most commonly observed in the United States is mild, painless, and has no effect on the function or health of teeth. Only when fluoride is taken before the age of eight, while permanent teeth are still growing beneath the gums, can fluorosis develop.

In addition to using fluoride-containing toothpaste to help safeguard our children’s teeth when we assist them in brushing, it’s crucial that they spit out the toothpaste rather than consume it. To find out how much toothpaste to put on a child’s toothbrush, make sure to follow the guidelines on all toothpaste brands. Children under three should apply a tiny smear, while those older than three should apply a pea-sized quantity. This is a good general rule. Mouthwash and mouth rinse should not be used by young children.

Because there are so many competing views on dental fluorosis, you should seek the advice of reliable sources to assist you and your family decide what you need to know. Your family dentist is crucial in this situation. By the time your child becomes one year old, begin taking them to the dentist on a regular basis. Children are no more susceptible to fluorosis now than they were twenty years ago if they follow a normal diet, drink fluoridated water, and use fluoridated dental products as directed.

Campaign for Dental Health, “What You Need to Know About Fluorosis Today.”