Using Fluoride Wisely

While fluoride is generally good for oral health, too much can cause a problem called dental fluorosis.

This happens when too much fluoride affects tooth development by interfering with the mineralization of the enamel. Mild fluorosis affects the enamel’s outer layer, producing white lines across its surface. With severe fluorosis, the enamel becomes porous, which can result in tooth sensitivity or pain. This, in turn, can lead to other problems. For example, if tooth sensitivity is severe and chewing properly becomes difficult, proper nutrition can become an issue.

Because of this, the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association discourages the overuse of fluorides by children and recommends the following:

– Infants past the age of 12 months shouldn’t be fed with formula made with fluoridated water.

– Children under six can get unneeded fluoride through accidental swallowing of toothpaste, so parents should supervise them to make sure they put only a thin smear of toothpaste on the brush. For the same reason, they shouldn’t be given self-applied fluoridated rinses.

– Before children receive fluoride supplements such as lozenges, their parents should consult with a dental hygienist to obtain an individualized assessment of tooth decay, oral health and exposure to all sources of fluoride.

– Children over six, if they’re at high risk for tooth decay, may require a supplement of 1 mg/day, but only if the water supply is not fluoridated, or is fluoridated at less than 0.3 parts per million (ppm). Again, no supplements should be given until the parents have consulted a dental hygienist.