How does fluoride help to prevent cavities?
Fluoride helps to prevent decay by making our teeth more resistant to the harmful acid that is produced by bacteria left over from food particles. By brushing regularly with fluoridated toothpaste, and receiving routine fluoride treatments from the dentist, tooth enamel can become stronger and more resistant to the acid that causes tooth decay. The best time to introduce fluoride to the teeth is when they are still forming in the jaws. This can be accomplished by having your child drink optimally fluoridated water, or take fluoride supplements if necessary. You may begin to introduce fluoride toothpaste to your child once they have learned to spit which is around 3 years old. Make sure they are always supervised to ensure they are using no more than a pea-size amount. It is very important to be aware that too little or no fluoride can make teeth more prone to decay, and too much fluoride can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which can cause a chalky white or brown staining on the p
