As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health, and that includes their smile. Here at Cairns Dental Boutique, we often hear a lot of great questions about fluoride. Is it safe? Does it really work? With so much information out there, it can be hard to know what’s true.
This month, we’re sharing the facts about fluoride to help you make knowledgeable decisions about your family’s dental health.
H2: What exactly is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that’s a superhero for your teeth! It works by making your tooth enamel—the hard, protective outer layer—stronger and more resistant to the acid attacks that cause cavities. Think of it as a protective shield for your teeth.
Cavities are the most common chronic disease in children, and if left untreated, they can cause a lot of pain and affect your child’s ability to eat, speak, and learn. That’s why fluoride is so important for little ones.
The Fluoride Question in Cairns: What You Need to Know
This is a big one for our local community. As a Cairns dentist, we know many people are curious about fluoride in our water supply. It’s important to understand that the Cairns Regional Council has made the decision not to fluoridate the public water supply.
This means that while fluoride is naturally present in our water at very low levels, it’s not at the optimal concentration for preventing tooth decay. For families in Cairns, this makes other sources of fluoride, especially toothpaste, even more important for your children’s dental health.
Is Fluoride Safe for My Child?
Absolutely. Fluoride has been safely and effectively used to fight cavities for decades. Major health organisations around the world, including the Australian Dental Association (ADA), support its use.
Some reports have raised concerns about fluoride’s safety, but these claims are often based on flawed studies conducted in areas with extremely high fluoride levels—much higher than what would be found in a controlled environment. The scientific consensus remains clear: fluoride is safe and effective when used correctly.
What is Dental Fluorosis?
If a child swallows too much fluoride while their adult teeth are still forming (usually under age 8), they can develop dental fluorosis. This usually appears as very faint white spots on the teeth, which are typically not noticeable and don’t affect tooth function or health. It’s another reason why it’s so important to supervise brushing.
Your Fluoride Action Plan: Simple Steps to Protect Your Family
Since our local water isn’t fluoridated, here’s how you can make sure your family is getting the protection they need:
- Brush with Fluoride Toothpaste: This is your best defence!
- For children under 3: Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice).
- For children over 3: Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- For everyone: Supervise your kids while they brush to make sure they spit out, not swallow, the toothpaste.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Your Cairns dentist is your partner in this! During checkups, we can apply a fluoride varnish, a simple, painless, and highly effective treatment that gives your child’s teeth an extra boost of protection.
We’re Here to Help!
As your Cairns dentist, we’re committed to your family’s oral health. We understand you may have more questions, and we’re always here to help. Taking care of your smile is a team effort!
Ready to talk more about fluoride and your child’s dental health? Contact Cairns Dental Boutique today to schedule an appointment.
