Flouride
Fluoride is an element which works in the re-mineralization process, helping your teeth to create stronger tooth enamel. It is important to get the proper dose of fluoride, as too little or too much can be bad for the teeth.
In general, there is not as much need to supplement a child for fluoride today as there was a decade ago, because we now have many sources of fluoride. Besides toothpaste, other sources are fluoridated drinking water, like we have here in Uniontown and most surrounding areas, and processed foods produced with fluoridated water, such as juices and canned foods. Talk our staff about your child’s fluoride sources to make sure they are getting the correct amount. 28
About brushing and flossing
Parents should brush the teeth of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and help school age children with brushing their teeth until the age of 7 or 8. As a rule, until a child can tie his own shoe, he will need assistance in brushing his teeth! The best times to brush are after breakfast and before bedtime. The best toothbrushes for children have soft round ended bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Along with brushing, parents should floss children’s teeth where any two teeth touch. Flossing removes the plaque between teeth, where toothbrushes can not reach.
When choosing a toothpaste brand for your child, the most important thing to look for is the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance to ensure the product’s safety and effectiveness. We always recommend using a small amount of toothpaste. For children between age 2 to 3, use only a “rice-sized” smear of toothpaste. Ages 4 to 5 should apply only a “pea-sized” drop of toothpaste to their brush. It is commonly understood that children under the age of 5, will try to swallow instead of spit out the paste. By applying the paste in this manner, the risk of ingesting excess amounts of fluoride will be reduced. Regardless of the brand your child uses, always have them spit out the excess toothpaste rather than swallowing it.