| These surveys confirm that fluoride in the water at a
concentration of about 1 part per million (1ppm) has been associated with
a reduction of about half the decay experienced in non-fluoridated area.
The safety of fluoridated water is
well documented. Numerous studies in both naturally and artificially
fluoridated areas have failed to show any adverse effect on general health
at the level of 1ppm |
The
benefits of water fluoridation can be assessed in several ways. Most
surveys have shown a reduction in tooth decay of 40-60 per cent. A
large fall in the number of teeth taken out and general anaesthetics
administered to children has been reported.
A 25 per cent increase in
tooth decay was recorded five years after part of Scotland were
de-fluoridated
|
Fluoride
Supplements
are available however parents should check with a dentist whether the
child would benefit from supplements and the correct dosage appropriate
for that child.
|
FLUORIDE TABLETS SHOULD BE KEPT OUT OF REACH
OF CHILDREN
 Although it is safe to take fluoride supplements
during pregnancy, there is no benefit to the unborn child in doing
so |
Fluoride
Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste which came int
Fluoride toothpastes are currently
available in three concentrations ranges
low
fluoride 600ppm
standard 1000 ppm
high
1500 ppm
Low Fluoride toothpastes were introduced to meet concerns
about young children swallowing toothpaste. However recent evidence
suggest that they are less affective than pastes containing 1000 ppm or
more and their use should be limited to children with low risk of tooth
decay or areas which are naturally fluoridated to high levels.
Toothpastes containing 1000 to 1500 ppm are more effective
and should be used by all children over the age of six years of age. |
Enamel Fluorosis
This shows as opaque areas in
the tooth enamel surface associated with the intake of excessive fluoride
during the periods of enamel formation.
For incisor teeth the
period of greatest risk is between two and five years. The more
severe cosmetically unacceptable forms are uncommon in the UK but may
result from the use of fluoride supplements being taken in areas where
water fluoridation is high or from eating fluoride toothpaste in early
childhood.
To reduce the risk of
fluorosis parents should supervise tooth brushing of children under seven
years of age and should place an amount of toothpaste no greater than the
size of a small pea on the brush.
Brushing should be done no more than twice a day and the child should be
encouraged to spit out afterwards, rather than rinse with water
Click
here for more information on caring for young teeth
|
