{"id":194,"date":"2023-06-28T08:17:03","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T08:17:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=194"},"modified":"2023-08-04T08:17:46","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T08:17:46","slug":"fluoride-is-safe-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsdentistry.com\/blog\/2023\/06\/28\/fluoride-is-safe-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Fluoride Really Safe for Kids?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As a parent, you want your child to have a healthy smile. Strong pearly whites are crucial to their overall health. Still, you might be worried about exposing them to fluoride<\/a>. Various rumors say it harms childhood brain development. Given that fact, you might wonder if fluoride is safe for kids. Well, your pediatric dentist is here to settle the matter. To find out why fluoride is fine for your little one, just keep reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Some Context: What\u2019s Fluoride?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t already know, fluoride is a natural mineral in many foods and water. Healthcare providers often use it to boost patients\u2019 oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In particular, fluoride is great at preventing cavities. Consuming it strengthens tooth enamel and promotes bone formation. As a result, the mineral is added to tap water, toothpaste, mouthwash, and other products. Doing so helps these items promote healthy teeth and gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Fluoride Safe for Kids?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite its perks, some parents worry fluoride could harm kids. The latest concern claims it may delay a child\u2019s brain development. However, this view has no merit; fluoride has no such effect on children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest science confirms fluoride\u2019s safeness. In an October 2022 study from the Journal of Dental Research, <\/em>scholars found that fluoridated water didn\u2019t reduce kids\u2019 behavioral development or executive functioning. They reached this conclusion after assessing 2,682 children throughout their adolescence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, this recent finding bolsters prior research. Countless studies over decades all arrive at the same truth \u2013 children have nothing to fear from fluoride in the proper amounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oral Care Tips for Young Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are ways you could help your child benefit from fluoride. To that end, consider using the following suggestions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n