We all know that fluoride is an important part of caring for our
children’s teeth. But how much do they need? And how do we know how much
they are actually getting? Read on to get answers to all your fluoride
questions.
What is Fluoride and How Does it Get
into the Water?
Fluoride is
derived from fluorine, which is a naturally occurring element in the Earth’s
crust. Years of study have shown that consuming fluoride – and applying it to
the surface of the teeth – helps to protect teeth from decay.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that over 60% of people living in the United States get fluoride through their tap water. In some instances, the fluoride is added to the water source and in others it is naturally occurring. The optimal level of fluoridation in water is 0.7 milligrams per liter. Call your local water authority or public health department to inquire about your fluoride levels.
If you and
your family drink mostly bottled water or water from a reverse osmosis
filtration system, then you are probably not consuming any – or only very
little – fluoride. Most bottled water has none, and the filtration systems
remove most of the fluoride from tap water.
Water filters such as Brita or PUR pitchers do not remove fluoride.
Why Does Fluoride Matter for Our
Dental Health?
Fluoride
protects teeth in two ways. When it is
ingested, it strengthens the tooth’s structure.
When it is applied to the surface of teeth – via toothpaste, mouth rinse,
or a fluoride treatment – it creates a barrier that prevents bacteria found in
plaque from breaking down tooth enamel, which over time will lead to decay and
cavities.
According to the CDC: “For 70 years, people in the United States have benefited from drinking water with fluoride, leading to better dental health. Drinking fluoridated water keeps teeth strong and reduces cavities by about 25% in children and adults.”
Does Your Child Need a Fluoride Supplement?
To answer
this question, you must first determine the age of your child and if they are
consuming fluoridated water or not. Babies under the age of six months old do
not need any fluoride supplementation. Only if your water supply is not
fluoridated would your dentist or pediatrician prescribe a fluoride supplement
– such as a vitamin, tablet or drops – for your child after the age of six
months.
While it is
important to start brushing baby teeth as soon as they start coming in, using a
fluoride free training toothpaste for the first few years of a child’s life is recommended
to prevent them from ingesting too much. Once a child has mastered the ability to
spit while brushing, switch to a fluoride toothpaste, but still only use a
pea-sized amount on their brush. An adult should always be present while young
children are brushing with paste containing fluoride, since too much fluoride
can be harmful for children.
Visit us online or call today to learn more about your child’s fluoride needs – 908-998-4698.
You find yourself instinctively covering your mouth with
your hand whenever you laugh. When someone pulls out a camera, you find any
excuse to not be in the picture. If this sounds like you, odds are you have
issues with the appearance of your pearly whites. Maybe they aren’t so white
anymore. Maybe they’re misaligned or strangely shaped. Whatever your complaint
with your smile, your cosmetic
dentist in Roselle Park can soothe your woes. Continue reading to learn
how.
Sunscreen? Check. Phone charger? Check. Toothbrush? Oops. If
you find yourself temporarily without a toothbrush, you can rinse vigorously
with water to wash away some of that cavity-causing bacteria. You could also
put some toothpaste on a clean washcloth or your clean finger in a pinch. When
you finally get to the nearest drugstore, look for a toothbrush with the ADA
Seal of Acceptance. If there aren’t any Seal products, buy the softest brush
you can find
Today, August 6th, is national fresh breath day, so be sure to brush and floss today – and every day – in celebration!
There is nothing more embarrassing than realizing that your
breath has a foul odor mid-conversation. And this scenario is just as
unpleasant for the person you are talking to as well! Bad breath, or
“Halitosis”, is most commonly caused by dental cavities, gum disease, poor oral
hygiene, or a coating on the tongue, usually due to inflammation. Other causes
include dry mouth, infection, intestinal issues, diabetes, and malnutrition.
Taking good care of your teeth and gums is the best way to
ensure fresh breath. Here are some tips to follow daily to prevent bacteria and
plaque from building up in your mouth:
Brush after meals
Floss before bedtime
Gargle and rinse with mouthwash
Replace your toothbrush every three months
Stay hydrated
Snack on raw, crunchy fruits and veggies
Visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup
Every day is Fresh
Breath Day at Roselle Park Dental & Implants! Come celebrate with us – call
us today to schedule your next dental cleaning and checkup: 908-998-4698!
Over the years, our talented doctors at Roselle Park Dental & Implants have been thrilled to help countless patients achieve strong, confident smiles they can take pride in for years to come! Call now to learn more: 908-998-4698.
Dr. Oshidar and the entire Roselle Park Dental & Implants staff look forward to continuing to help our patients improve not only your teeth, but your overall quality of life as well! We will continue to work hard every day to give each one of our beloved patients a reason to smile.
Have you heard about our patient referral program??? Tell a friend, neighbor, or family member how much you love our dental practice! If they come visit us, you will get $50 towards your next dental treatment, and they will also receive $50 towards their first dental treatment with us*!
Call us today to learn more: 908-364-5109.
*New patients must be able to provide the correct first and last name of the referring patient to participate in the referral program.
Brush properly: The way you brush is equally important — in
fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing
at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove
plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis
(early gum disease).
We’re proud to offer LANAP or Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure as a state-of-the-art method for treating periodontal gum disease. This modern laser is a big improvement over traditional tools allowing us to selectively remove diseased areas of tissue while at the same time encourage the growth of healthy tissue!
Call us today – 908-998-4698 – and ask about LANAP! A laser assisted procedure that can help treat gum disease for good!
