How to Protect Your Child’s Teeth if Your Water Lacks Fluoride
Dentists offered advice to help parents protect their children’s teeth if they do not have access to fluoride in their drinking water.
Although community water fluoridation has long been regarded as a safe, effective and relatively inexpensive strategy to minimize dental caries and strengthen tooth enamel in children, recent opposition to the practice has led to some states and cities ending fluoridated water, according to a news report from Tufts University. Children without access to fluoridated water often have higher rates of dental decay.
As a result, dentists cited in the report have suggested alternatives to fluoridated drinking water — including fluoride toothpaste, rinses and topical varnishes — among those with public water systems that do not add the mineral to their water. The right amount of fluoride toothpaste can be safe for younger children; however, parents or guardians should ensure that all the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned and assist with flossing until children show enough dexterity to tie their shoelaces. When children are 7 years and older, particularly those with braces, they can initiate fluoride rinses. Finally, dentists may apply a topical varnish to the teeth during visits that lasts up to several months.
Read more: Tufts Now
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