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Is Fluoride Safe for Kids?

Published: / | by Dr. Roberto Monteagudo |

Fluroide Oral Health

FDA’s Review of Fluoride Supplements: What Parents Need to Know

If you’re concerned about the safety of fluoride on your child’s oral health, then you’re not alone. AP News covers a recent announcement from the FDA about its review of fluoride supplements. These products, including tablets, lozenges, and drops, are sometimes recommended to children who are at a higher risk of tooth decay, particularly in areas with low levels of fluoride in drinking water. But the FDA is now assessing whether these fluoride supplements should be removed from the market, citing health risks associated with excessive fluoride consumption.

Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing FDA review, fluoride’s benefits, and what trusted health organizations recommend for children’s dental care.

Is Fluoride Bad For Kids: The Negative Side Effects of Fluoride (According to the FDA)?

The FDA has initiated a scientific review of fluoride supplements for children, with the aim of potentially removing them from the market. This decision comes after concerns about possible health risks related to ingesting too much fluoride, such as disruptions to gut bacteria, which are vital for digestion and immune function. Additionally, some studies have suggested a potential link between excessive fluoride exposure and lower IQ levels in children.

Several environmental health organizations are backing the FDA’s review, raising concerns about the risks of high fluoride exposure. However, while the FDA is reviewing fluoride products, it’s important to note that this review does not include fluoride toothpaste or topical fluoride treatments, which are still considered safe and effective when used as directed.

Why Do My Children Need Fluoride: The Benefits of Fluoride for Dental Health

Yes, Fluoride toothpaste (and fluoride in general) is safe for kids’ teeth.. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water, soil, and certain foods. It plays a crucial role in protecting teeth from decay. Here’s how:

  • Strengthens Tooth Enamel: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the harmful effects of acid attacks from bacteria and food by remineralizing the enamel surface

  • Prevents Tooth Decay: Fluoride also helps prevent tooth decay by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria that contribute to plaque formation.

  • Reduces Cavities: In areas where fluoride is added to the water supply, studies have shown a significant reduction in tooth decay. The CDC reports that fluoridation of drinking water reduces cavities by up to 25% in children and adults.

In fact, fluoride has been added to community water supplies for over 75 years and is considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. The CDC recognizes fluoridation as an effective and equitable way to improve oral health, particularly in underserved communities.

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What Health Experts Say About Fluoride and Children

Despite the FDA’s review, leading health organizations continue to endorse the use of fluoride in children’s dental care. Here’s what they recommend:

  • American Dental Association (ADA):

    • The ADA strongly supports the use of fluoride in both water and dental products emphasizing that yes, Fluoride is safe for children when used as directed.

    • Fluoride Toothpaste: The ADA recommends using fluoride toothpaste as soon as your child’s first tooth erupts. The amount of toothpaste used should be age-appropriate

      • Rice-sized smear for children under 3 years old,

      • Pea-sized amount for children aged 3 to 6

    • Fluoride Supplements: The ADA also recommends fluoride supplements for children who live in areas without fluoridated water, particularly those at higher risk for cavities.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

    • The CDC has called community water fluoridation one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century.

    • They maintain that fluoride continues to be a safe, effective, and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay, especially for children living in underserved areas.

  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

    • The AAP also supports fluoride use and emphasizes that proper fluoride exposure during early childhood is crucial for cavity prevention and healthy tooth development.

What Should Parents Do?

If you’re wondering how to proceed with your child’s dental care amid these changes, here are a few guidelines:

  1. Stick to Expert Recommendations:

    • Continue using fluoride toothpaste for your child, as recommended by the ADA and CDC. This is still one of the best ways to ensure your child’s teeth are protected from decay.

    • Use the appropriate amount of toothpaste based on your child’s age. A rice-sized smear for children under 3 years old and a pea-sized amount for children aged 3 to 6.

  2. Consult Your Dentist or Pediatrician:

    • If you live in an area without fluoridated water or if your child is at high risk for cavities, talk to your dentist or pediatrician. They may recommend fluoride supplements or additional fluoride treatments.

    • Regular dental checkups are essential to ensure that your child’s fluoride exposure is properly balanced and that their teeth are developing well.

  3. Stay Informed:

    • While the FDA’s review is ongoing, it’s important to stay informed by relying on trusted sources like the ADA, CDC, and AAP. These organizations are committed to ensuring that fluoride remains a safe and effective tool for preventing tooth decay.

Conclusion: Should You Give Your Kids Fluoride?

The FDA’s review of fluoride supplements is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety and effectiveness of dental products. While some groups have raised concerns about potential health risks associated with excessive fluoride, the ADA, CDC, and AAP continue to support its use as a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay in children.

As a parent, the best course of action is to continue following the expert recommendations on fluoride use for your child’s oral health. Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice, and stay updated on any changes from trusted health organizations.

At Emergency Dental of America, we’re committed to helping parents make informed, confident decisions about their children’s oral care. From fluoride safety to cavity prevention, we cover the topics that matter most to your family.

 

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