Fluoride Toothpaste for Children

By Dr. Ben Pinkston In Research April 29, 2014

Dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease with more than 16 million million children suffering from untreated tooth decay in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The American Dental Association (ADA) recently updated its guidance to parents and caregivers regarding the use of fluoride toothpaste on children.The ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs says that caregivers should use toothpaste with fluoride on children younger than 3, controversial to what has been voiced in the past.

The new guidelines recommend using a smear of toothpaste for children under the age of 3 and a pea-sized amount for children ages 3 to 6. Edmond L. Truelove D.D.S, chairman of the Council on Scientific Affairs, stated “for half a century, the ADA has recommended that patients use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities, and a review of scientific research shows that this holds true for all ages. Approximately 25% of children have or had cavities before entering kindergarten, so it’s important to provide guidance to caregivers on the appropriate use of fluoride toothpaste to help prevent their children from developing cavities.”

The ADA previously recommended using water to brush the teeth of children younger than 2 years old and to brush the teeth of children 2-6 years old with a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Limiting fluoride use in young children is to prevent dental fluorosis, which is a mild discoloration of teeth usually appearing as faint lines. Children should spit out toothpaste as soon as they are able to.

The new guidance is intended to give children the full benefit of cavity protection while limiting their risk of developing tooth decay. The ADA urges caregivers to take their child to a dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than the child’s first birthday.

Category:

Back

Fluoride Toothpaste for Children

Categories

Archives

Testimonials