If your community tap water is not fluoridated, you can supplement with fluoride tablets, which require a prescription. However, topical fluoride is safer and gets right to the teeth. The dentist can also apply a fluoride treatment at regular dental visits. In general, fluoride is not essential for children’s tooth development, and too much fluoride is more of a problem than too little.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 4 AnswersSodium fluoride can be harmful if you take excessive amounts of it, but it is unlikely to cause any serious health problem when taken in recommended doses. The most common adverse effect of consuming too much sodium fluoride is dental fluorosis, a cosmetic problem that causes white and/or brown staining of teeth. Dental fluorosis is a risk only while the permanent teeth are developing -- once a child's permanent teeth have erupted, dental fluorosis will not occur. -
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 3 AnswersSide effects from sodium fluoride may include gastrointestinal upset, rash, a soapy or salty taste in your mouth, increased saliva and possibly other symptoms. If young children take too much sodium fluoride, they may experience dental fluorosis, permanent white and/or brown stains on their teeth. To minimize the risk of side effects, never swallow fluoridated toothpaste or mouth rinse, and take sodium fluoride supplements only according to your dentist's or doctor's directions. Call your doctor at the first sign of any of these side effects.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 4 AnswersSodium fluoride is a mineral that can help inhibit the process that causes cavities and strengthens your teeth. It is available in tablet and liquid forms. Adults and children over six months of age may use sodium fluoride. If acids and bacteria cause damage to your teeth, you may benefit from this product. Ask your dentist or doctor whether sodium fluoride is right for you.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 3 AnswersTopical fluoride is safe to use, unless there is more than 0.7 parts per million of fluoride in your drinking water. The water department in your community will know the concentration of fluoride in your water. If you are using a prescription strength fluoride toothpaste, tell your dentist there is fluoride in your water. Also, mention any other products you use that contain fluoride.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 4 AnswersFluoride in the mouth cavity replaces calcium in a chemical called hydroxyapatite which changes it to the chemical fluoroapatite. It is deposited on the tooth surface. Fluoroapatite does not dissolve as easily as the natural enamel of your teeth, so your teeth become more resistant to decay. As a result, you get fewer cavities.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 5 AnswersThe American Dental Association recommends topical fluoride for children. However, prescription fluorides should only be used under the supervision of a dentist or medical doctor.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 3 Answers
Topical fluoride comes in many forms: toothpaste, mouth rinse, gel and varnishes. Many over-the-counter toothpastes contain fluoride. In addition, some prescription toothpastes contain more fluoride per ounce. These toothpastes are used at home, generally by applying a pea-sized quantity and brushing for two minutes at least twice a day. Spit out the toothpaste after each use.
Fluoride rinses are generally used once per day for about a minute. Spit out the rinse after swishing it around in the mouth, and avoid eating or drinking for an hour afterward. Children under six years of age should not use fluoride rinses because they might swallow them. Fluoride gels and varnishes are applied by dental professionals.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 3 AnswersAfter brushing your teeth, measure out the appropriate amount of fluoride rinse from the bottle and swish it around in your mouth. Then spit it out. Never swallow the fluoride rinse liquid, because that can be harmful. Talk to your dentist or pharmacist to see if a fluoride rinse is right for you.
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredSee All 4 AnswersSystemic fluoride, when used at recommended levels, is safe for children. Your child gets systemic fluoride mostly by drinking fluoridated water and/or by consuming fluoride supplements in the form of tablets, drops or lozenges. When your child consumes systemic fluoride, it is absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract and eventually into the bloodstream. If your child's permanent teeth are still developing, the fluoride is incorporated into the enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to cavities after they erupt through the gum line.
It is possible for your child to get too much systemic fluoride. If he does, you may see white and/or brown stains or pitting on his teeth once they emerge. So talk with your child's dentist about the fluoride levels in your drinking water, and whether or not fluoride supplements are recommended for your child.