Should My Child Receive Fluoride Treatments? Your Dentist Weighs in!

As a parent, you know that one of your primary functions is to protect your children. That is why you are constantly questioning things that may have previously been considered “just something you do.” You are concerned about the why behind preventative services, so we are ready to deliver some helpful information.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural element. It is considered a naturally occurring mineral and it can be found in water and some foods.

Why is Tooth Enamel Important?

Tooth enamel is the outer layer of your teeth that protects the sensitive parts of the tooth, the dentin and pulp. Tooth enamel is critical in the protection from the accumulation of bacteria and plaque. Without proper protection and a lack of oral hygiene, cavities and tooth decay can become problematic.

Why Do Some Parents Dislike Fluoride?

Parents have become resistant to the idea of fluoride because for the longest time only the good research was openly shared with the community. Since much of the negative effects of fluoride were not shared as frequently, parents felt like the dental industry was not being honest with them.

What are the Pros and Cons?

Pros

• Fights Cavities: According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, fluoride treatment has been proven to protect children’s teeth from cavities.
• Money saver: Using fluoride as a preventative measure, families are more likely to save money by avoiding the need for dental crowns and fillings.

Cons

• Toxic Effects: Studies have shown that fluoride has been linked to lower IQ scores among children and fluoride use has also been shown to increase staining and surface irregularities.
• Improper focus: The need for fluoride treatment could be eliminated with the enforcement of healthy eating habits and proper dental hygiene.

If you are concerned about whether fluoride treatments would be a good option for your children, consider scheduling a local appointment with your pediatric dentist in Houston, or ask at your child’s next routine check-up. There are both pros and cons to using fluoride as a preventative treatment, so it is important to determine what is important to you when it comes to your child’s health.