Did you ever wonder if your kid is getting the right amount of fluoride to protect their teeth? With many children experiencing their first toothache or cavities during kindergarten, it’s definitely a dental concern worth pondering. Asking a pediatric dentist in Steele Creek if your kid needs fluoride supplements can make a difference in their dental health.
Q&As to Know if Fluoride Supplements Are Necessary
Too Much or Too Little?
Since teeth erupt and mature according to age, lack of fluoride at a certain stage can lead to dental problems. For instance, fluorosis, which is due to excessive fluoride during the early stages of childhood, can lead to blotchy, uneven teeth. On the other hand, insufficient fluoride in teeth can also result in the development of cavities.
What is the Source of Your Drinking Water?
If your family is drinking water from a water-well system, determining the system’s fluoride level will require you to hire an independent water-testing company. If you’re asking how much fluoride is enough, the American Dental Association states that kids who are six months to 16 years of age are required to drink at least one pint of fluoridated water each day.
To know the levels of fluoride contained in your water supply, you can check the website of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Likewise, you can also visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding fluoridation.
Is My Kid Exposed to Other Sources of Fluoride?
Certain foods have fluoride contents because of the pesticide residues and other processing substances. If fluoride supplements are being considered, your pediatric dentist will have to examine your kid’s dietary and non-dietary sources of fluoride to guarantee they are not receiving less or more than what’s required.
Consult a Pediatric Dentist in Steele Creek
Determining the levels of fluoride your kid needs boils down to a lot of factors such as the water supply and environmental factors. Your best ally to guarantee that they will have optimal dental health is a pediatric dentist at Young and Polite Children’s Dentistry. Schedule an appointment through our helpful staff today!
