26/06/2025
Fluoride is important for dental health because it helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel, especially in children.
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and certain foods. It’s also added to toothpaste, mouth rinses, and some community water supplies to promote dental health.
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✅ Benefits of Fluoride for Children
1. Strengthens enamel
• Fluoride makes tooth enamel (the hard outer surface) more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth.
2. Reverses early tooth decay
• It helps repair the early stages of tooth decay by remineralizing weak spots before cavities form.
3. Fights harmful bacteria
• Fluoride reduces the ability of bacteria in plaque to produce acid, which is what leads to cavities.
4. Protects developing teeth
• When children get the right amount of fluoride as their teeth are forming, it builds stronger permanent teeth even before they come in.
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🚰 Sources of Fluoride
• Fluoridated tap water (in many communities)
• Fluoride toothpaste (use a smear for under 3, a pea-sized amount for ages 3+)
• Fluoride varnish treatments at the dentist
• Fluoride supplements (only if prescribed when water isn’t fluoridated)
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⚠️ Is Fluoride Safe?
Yes—in the right amount, fluoride is very safe and effective. However, too much fluoride over time while teeth are still forming can cause fluorosis—white or brown spots on teeth (mostly cosmetic).
To prevent that:
• Supervise young children while brushing.
• Teach them to spit out toothpaste, not swallow.
• Use only the recommended amount of toothpaste.
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🏁 Bottom Line
Fluoride is one of the best tools we have to prevent cavities and promote strong, healthy teeth—especially during childhood, when dental habits and development are most important.
Call us on 01685 872124 to discuss options for fluoride application
