{"id":174,"date":"2022-12-15T16:29:55","date_gmt":"2022-12-15T16:29:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplypedoorthopelham.com\/blog\/?p=174"},"modified":"2022-12-15T16:30:18","modified_gmt":"2022-12-15T16:30:18","slug":"how-fluoride-impacts-your-childs-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplypedoorthopelham.com\/blog\/2022\/12\/15\/how-fluoride-impacts-your-childs-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"A Quick Look at How Fluoride Impacts Your Child\u2019s Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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At your child\u2019s biannual visit to the dentist, you know to expect the examination and cleaning. While these are two essential components of preventive care<\/a>, there are other measures their dental team may take to protect their teeth from decay, like fluoride treatments. To learn more about how fluoride affects your child\u2019s teeth, keep reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Fluoride: What It Is & Why It\u2019s Important<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In short, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. Decades prior, researchers discovered its ability to bind to tooth enamel, preventing decay in the process. It wasn\u2019t long before it was incorporated into oral hygiene essentials, like toothpaste and mouthwash. While these measures have helped decrease cases of cavities, fluoride works best when applied topically. However, toothpaste and mouthwash only sit on your teeth for a minute or two at a time, and fluoride treatments are a bit longer. So, if your child\u2019s dentist or dental hygienist feels like they need a little extra protection from tooth decay, they will recommend finishing their six-month dental checkup with a fluoride treatment!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, Why Is There Controversy Surrounding Fluoride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

That all sounds good, right? Then where does the controversy stem from?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 1940s, efforts began to add fluoride into the public water supply. Today, roughly two-thirds of people in the U.S. have access to fluoride water (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). People who are against this feel that it\u2019s an unethical form of mass medication. Conversely, supporters cite research from the American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, and other professional organizations stating that the process is both safe and effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to remember that the average concentration of fluoride in the public water is 1 part per million (1 ppm) or 1 milligram per liter, or slightly below. Of course, if you have any concerns, don\u2019t hesitate to speak directly with your primary care physician or dentist so they can answer any specific questions you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Additional Ways to Protect Your Child\u2019s Teeth from Decay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fluoride treatments are a common way to help protect your child\u2019s teeth from cavities. However, there are several other best practices that will keep their oral health in tip-top shape, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n