At Bridge Dental Care, we strive to give our patients the best, safest care we can to protect their oral health. This includes providing patient education so you feel informed about your care at our office and when you're at home. In this post, we hope to demystify fluoride so that you can make the right healthcare choices for yourself and your family.
Myth: Fluoride Is Unnatural & Carcinogenic
Most experts agree that fluoride is a cost-effective and reliable way to promote healthy teeth. There is not evidence that fluoride has been linked to an increase in a person’s susceptibility to cancer. Fluoride is naturally present in small amounts in many sources of water on the planet. Communities add more fluoride to their water sources, manufacturers add fluoride to their dental products, and we offer professional fluoride treatments at our office to help fortify teeth against decay.
Myth: Fluoride Is Dangerous to Kids
Significant evidence indicates that reasonable exposure to fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and does not cause adverse health effects for children. It is true that too much fluoride exposure when the teeth are developing can result in fluorosis, a cosmetic condition characterized by white or brown streaks on the teeth. And excessive consumption over many years can cause skeletal issues. But the amount in drinking water and toothpaste in the Unites States is highly regulated for safety and efficacy so these conditions are rare.
Moderation is key in all things. Parent can use a smear of fluoridated toothpaste the size of a grain of rice for children under 3 years old. Children older than 3 years of age can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Children under 12 years of age should not used mouthwash unless directed by their dentist.
Safe & Reliable Dental Care in Chattanooga, TN!
If you have additional questions about fluoride or how to keep your smile healthy and free of cavities, please contact Bridge Dental Care today. Our team looks forward to hearing from you.
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