Importance of Fluoride in Preventing Tooth Decay

Fluoride and Tooth Decay Prevention

• Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of teeth, making it less susceptible to acid attacks that cause tooth decay.

Importance of Fluoridated Water

• Adding fluoride to public water supplies at an average concentration of one part per million prevents tooth decay.
• Communities without access to fluoridated water, especially children from low-income families, are at a heightened risk of dental decay.
• The absence of fluoride in the water supply leads to increased rates of dental decay, necessitating more dental interventions and elevating healthcare expenses.

How Fluoride Works

• When fluoride binds with calcium and phosphate ions, it forms fluorapatite, which is less susceptible to acid attacks, helping to stop the tooth decay process.

Alternative Fluoride Sources

• In areas without fluoridated water, fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, and dietary supplements can help mitigate the lack of fluoride in drinking water.

Importance of Early Prevention

• New guidelines from the American Dental Association recommend children start using toothpaste with fluoride as soon as they get their first tooth to help fight cavities.
• About one in four children have cavities by the time they enter kindergarten, making early prevention crucial.

Safe Use of Fluoride Toothpaste

• Use only small amounts of fluoride toothpaste, as excessive consumption can discolor permanent teeth.
• Daily brushing and flossing, along with regular checkups, are the best way to keep children cavity-free.

Promoting Dental Health in Young Children

• Teach children to transition from breastfeeding or bottle feeding to drinking from a cup around 12 months to reduce exposure to sugars that can lead to decay.
• Encourage children to drink plain water throughout the day, which helps wash away food particles and dilutes acids produced by bacteria.

Infant Teachers' Role in Maintaining Oral Health

• Ensure all feeding items are handled properly to prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
• Sterilize and clean feeding items, and ensure they are not shared among children.
• Teachers should wash their hands consistently before handling food or feeding items, and consider using disposable gloves for added protection.