Is Fluoride Safe for Young Children?

Though fluoridation of the water supply is considered one of the greatest advances for public health of the last century, many people view this naturally occurring mineral with suspicion. While fluoridated water is proven to save communities vast amounts of money by preventing cavities, some have concerns about the effects of exposing younger children to too much fluoride. Here’s why fluoridated water is perfectly safe for children of any age.

Why Do Many Communities Fluoridate Their Water Supplies?

Tooth decay is the most common disease in children and adults across the world, and fluoridating water is a safe and efficient way to prevent dental cavities. This can spare individuals from pain, tooth loss, and dangerous secondary infections like sepsis while saving communities millions of dollars by preventing cavities that require expensive restorative dental work.

Fluoride works by replacing lost minerals in the enamel layer of your teeth. The human mouth is home to harmful bacteria that feed on sugar and excrete acid as a byproduct. This acid begins eroding the enamel layer of your teeth as soon as it makes contact with it, which can cause cavities over time. Fluoride exposure helps your enamel restore lost structure, making teeth more resistant to acid and potentially reversing tooth decay in its early stages.

Is My Child at Risk of Too Much Fluoride Exposure?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in all natural water sources. While the fluoride levels in public water supplies are high enough to provide significant dental health benefits, they are still far too low to cause any adverse health effects in children or adults. While sweet beverages like fruit juice, soda, and sports drinks are heavy in sugars that can feed harmful oral bacteria, fluoridated water contains no sugars that can lead to tooth decay and weight gain.

There’s no reason to worry about your child getting too much fluoride through the water supply. Fluoridated water is an inexpensive, nourishing, and readily available beverage that will keep children hydrated and help them stay cavity-free.

About the Practice

Chicago Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics provides the best care a child’s smile can find in Chicago, IL. Led by a team of seven dentists, the staff makes dentistry and orthodontic treatments fun and educational for children. Services include dentistry and orthodontics for children of all ages. For more information on the benefits of fluoride, contact the office online or dial (312) 766-0995.