Starting children young on brushing is one of the best things parents can do to ensure excellent dental health even during the early years. When it comes to oral health, prevention is always much better than having to get treatment for cavities later on. A recent article shows the latest dental recommendations of pediatricians all over the country.
All children should start using toothpaste with fluoride when their teeth appear, regardless of their risk level for cavities, according to new recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Up until age 3, children should use a smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste. After age 3, a pea-sized amount may be used. Parents should put the toothpaste on young children’s toothbrushes and supervise and help them with brushing.
Beginning at the time teeth appear, fluoride varnish should be applied by doctors or dentists every 3 to 6 months, according to the AAP.
Fluoride has played a major role in the decline of cavities all around the world. While the tooth enamel has a high fluoride concentration in the beginning, it dissolves over time. To prevent dental caries as concentration lessens, dentists in Greenville, SC can easily apply fluoride treatments on a regular basis—and it works!
Research shows that 40% fewer cavities are noted in children who receive consistent fluoride treatment than kids who do not. More than just inhibiting dental cavities, fluoride can sometimes reverse the damages on children’s teeth. Although fluoride treatment is highly recommended, having the guidance of a pediatric dentist is important to ensure proper dosage.
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in American children, and fluoride is effective in preventing cavities in children, the AAP said.
Over-the-counter fluoride rinses are not recommended for children younger than 6 years, due to the risk that they may swallow more than the recommended levels of fluoride, the experts explained.
Parents can always seek the advice of a dentist on the appropriate level of fluoride protection. If you are in need of a pediatric dentist in Greenville, SC, dental offices such as Downtown Dental can provide the regular fluoride treatments that will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile.
(Source: Pediatricians offer new dental recommendations, WMBF News, August 25, 2014)
