Fluoride Toothpaste: Right for All Ages

Fluoride Toothpaste: Right for All Ages

Plaque, a film of bacteria that forms daily on teeth and gums, can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing with toothpaste helps remove plaque. But what kind of toothpaste is best for your child?

Many toothpastes contain fluoride, a fluorine compound that also helps prevent tooth decay by inhibiting the loss of minerals from tooth enamel and encouraging remineralization of teeth. It also affects the bacteria that cause cavities by discouraging the acid attacks that break down the tooth.

But ingesting fluoride can be bad for your child. Too much fluoride may cause a condition called fluorosis. A mild case of fluorosis can cause cosmetic damage to the enamel of the child’s developing teeth, while more severe cases can cause the enamel to become pitted with brown discoloration.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has stated that the use of fluoride is safe and highly effective. The most effective way for children to get fluoride involves frequent topical application of low doses. That means using fluoride toothpaste, even for young children.

If your child is less than two years old, start brushing your child’s teeth twice a day when the first tooth appears. Apply a tiny smear of fluoridated toothpaste to your child’s soft toothbrush. Brush all surfaces of the teeth and gums.

If your child is two to six years old, use a “pea-sized” dollop of fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure not to use too much toothpaste—studies have shown that parents often underestimate the amount of toothpaste they put on their child’s toothbrush. Follow these toothbrushing guidelines:

• Brush your child’s teeth until the child is old enough to brush properly.
• Once your child is old enough, closely supervise your child’s toothbrushing.
• Limit toothbrushing to twice a day.
• Use an appropriately sized, soft toothbrush.
• Teach your child to spit out toothpaste rather than swallowing it.
• Minimize or eliminate rinsing after brushing.

Fluoride toothpaste, when used properly, can help protect your child’s teeth from decay and cavities. Be sure to store toothpaste in a place that is inaccessible to your child to prevent him or her from consuming excess toothpaste.

If you have questions about fluoride toothpaste, click here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jared. Or give us a call at (509)-891-7070.

First Aid for Your Child’s Tooth Injury

First Aid for Your Child’s Tooth Injury

Nearly half of all children suffer a tooth injury during childhood, most often from falls, traffic accidents, fighting and sports. Taking immediate action can help lead to a better outcome after treatment. Be prepared to tell us how and when the injury occurred. After Dr. Jared examines your child, he may recommend imaging, if necessary, to determine the extent of the injury and develop a treatment plan. 

Treatment varies depending on whether the injury involves a primary tooth or a permanent tooth. Loose or dislocated permanent teeth are always emergency situations. Here are some of the most common childhood tooth injuries and their treatments:

• Dislocated or loose primary tooth: The goal of treatment for this common injury is to prevent future damage to the permanent teeth. A loose baby tooth left in place sometimes heals without treatment. If it is very loose, your dentist may remove the tooth to prevent it from falling out and becoming a choking hazard. If knocked out completely, the tooth should not be replaced into the gum. This could cause damage to the underlying permanent tooth.
• Broken primary tooth: A dentist should examine the child as soon as possible to see if there is damage to the tooth’s nerves or blood vessels. Treatment may include smoothing the rough edges of the tooth, repairing it with resin material, leaving it in place or removing it.
• Dislocated permanent tooth: Try to replace the dislocated tooth in its socket within 15 minutes of the injury, then call the dentist. If you are unable to replace it, place the tooth in cold milk and get to the dentist right away. The tooth usually survives if stored in milk and replaced within one hour. Teeth stored dry and reimplanted after one hour rarely survive.
• Loose permanent tooth: Prompt dental treatment usually returns the tooth to its correct position. Sometimes, the dentist may use stitches or splints to hold the tooth in place until it heals.
• Broken permanent tooth: These can usually be repaired successfully, especially if treated within two days of the injury. Tooth fragments can sometimes be reattached and should be stored in tap water until you get to the dentist. If the fragments cannot be found or reattached, the dentist may repair the tooth with a resin material.

Depending on the injury, your child’s dentist may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics. Eating a diet of soft foods and maintaining good oral hygiene with twice daily brushing and regular flossing assists in recovery. With your immediate first aid and prompt professional care, most childhood tooth injuries heal successfully and rarely lead to complications.

Give us a call at (509)-891-7070 to schedule today!