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Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in water, soil and air. Almost all water contains some fluoride, but fluoride levels can vary depending on the source of your water.
Additionally, fluoride is added to many public water supplies in America. The amount added varies by region and not all regions add fluoride.
It is added to toothpaste and water supplies because fluoride can help:
- caries prevention
- strengthening weakened tooth enamel
- reverse early tooth decay
- limit the growth of oral bacteria
- slow the loss of minerals from tooth enamel
Fluoride toothpaste contains a higher concentration of fluoride than fluoridated water and is not intended for ingestion.
There is some debate about the safety of fluoride, including fluoride toothpaste, but American Dental Association still recommends it for both children and adults. The key is to use it properly.
Read on to learn more about safer ways to use fluoride toothpaste and alternatives to fluoride.
Good oral health is important from the start. Before a baby’s teeth come in, you can help remove bacteria by wiping their mouth with a soft cloth.
As soon as their teeth start coming in, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends switching to a fluoride toothbrush and toothpaste. But babies only need a very small dab of toothpaste – no more than the size of a grain of rice.
These instructions are a 2014 update to previous recommendations, which suggested using fluoride-free toothpaste until children reach the age of 2 years.
To minimize the risk of swallowing, try tilting your baby’s head down slightly so that any extra toothpaste drips from their mouth.
If your baby or toddler swallows some of this small amount of toothpaste, it’s okay. As long as you use the recommended amount of toothpaste, swallowing a small amount should not cause problems.
If you use more and your baby or toddler swallows it, they may get an upset stomach. This isn’t necessarily harmful, but you might want to call poison control just to be safe.
Children develop the ability to spit around the age of 3. This means you can increase the amount of fluoride toothpaste you put on their toothbrush.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children ages 3 to 6. Although it should be avoided if possible, it is safe for your child to swallow this pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
At this age, brushing should always be a team effort. Never let your child apply toothpaste or brush unsupervised.
If your child occasionally swallows more than a pea-sized amount, they may have an upset stomach. If this happens, the National Capital Poison Center recommends giving them milk or other dairy because calcium binds to fluoride in the stomach.
If your child regularly swallows larger amounts of toothpaste, excess fluoride can damage tooth enamel and cause dental fluorosis, which causes white spots on the teeth. Theirs risk of damage it depends on how much fluoride they take in and how long they keep doing it.
Supervising children while they brush and keeping toothpaste away from them can help prevent this.
Fluoride toothpaste is safe for older children with fully developed spitting and swallowing reflexes and for adults.
Just keep in mind that toothpaste is not designed to be swallowed. It’s normal for some to slip down your throat occasionally or to accidentally swallow a few. As long as this only happens occasionally, it shouldn’t cause any problems.
But long-term exposure to excessive amounts of fluoride can lead to health problems, including one increased danger of bone fractures. This level of exposure tends to occur only when people use well water only in areas where the soil contains high levels of fluoride.
Dentists sometimes prescribe high-fluoride toothpaste for people with severe tooth decay or a high risk of tooth decay. These toothpastes have a higher concentration of fluoride than anything you can buy over the counter at your local pharmacy.
Like any other prescription medication, high fluoride toothpaste should not be shared with other family members. If used as directed, high fluoride toothpaste is safe for adults. Children should not use toothpaste with a high fluoride content.
If you are concerned about fluoride, fluoride-free toothpastes are available. Buy fluoride-free toothpaste here.
Non-fluoride toothpaste will help clean teeth, but it won’t protect teeth from tooth decay like a fluoride toothpaste will.
If you decide to use a fluoride-free toothpaste, be sure to brush and floss regularly. This will help you catch any cavities or signs of decay early.
If you want the benefits of fluoride, look for toothpastes that have the American Dental Association stamp of approval.
To earn this seal, toothpaste must contain fluoride, and manufacturers must submit studies and other documents proving both the safety and effectiveness of their product.
Fluoride toothpaste is generally safe and recommended for both children and adults. But it is important to use it properly, especially for babies and small children.
If you are concerned about the safety of fluoride, there are many fluoride-free options available. Just be sure to pair it with a consistent brushing schedule and regular dental visits to stay on top of cavities and tooth decay.
