Fluoride: What It Is and Why Your Child Needs It

From Your Trusted Kid’s Dentist in Columbia, Maryland

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps protect our teeth from dental cavities—or what we frequently call “sugar bugs.” As a leading kid’s dentist in Columbia, Maryland, we prioritize educating families on how fluoride strengthens and remineralizes the outer surface of our teeth, known as tooth enamel.

Fluoride is present naturally in small amounts in many foods and drinks we consume and is an essential part of our water system and toothpaste. To keep smiles healthy, we need fluoride in two different forms: topical and systemic.

1. Topical Fluoride: Protection on the Surface

Topical fluoride is found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and the professional fluoride varnish you receive during dental cleanings. In these forms, fluoride works directly on the teeth currently in your mouth. It helps remineralize enamel to prevent existing cavities from growing or new ones from forming.

2. Systemic Fluoride: Building Strong Teeth from Within

Systemic fluoride is ingested, usually through community fluoridated tap water or a supplement. This form is vital for tooth development because it helps unerupted adult teeth form properly and stay strong before they even grow into the mouth.

It is important to remember that adult permanent teeth continue to develop and grow until a child is around age 16. Providing a consistent “building block” of fluoride during these years is key to long-term oral health.

Why Water Sources Matter

In many areas, fluoride is added to community tap water at a low and safe level to ensure all children have access to these benefits. However, if you live in an area without fluoridated water—such as a home that uses well water—your child may miss out on these systemic benefits.

As a dedicated kid’s dentist in Columbia, Maryland, we often recommend fluoride supplements (in liquid drops or tablets) for children in these areas. This ensures their developing adult teeth get the support they need.

How Long Does My Child Need Fluoride?

We typically recommend fluoride supplementation for high-risk children until their adult teeth have fully formed. Usually, this continues until all baby teeth have been lost (exfoliated), signaling that the adult teeth are ready.

Fluoride is an essential tool in our toolkit to keep children’s smiles bright and healthy. If you are looking for an expert kid’s dentist in Columbia, Maryland to discuss your child’s specific dental needs, we are here to help!

For more information on the benefits of fluoride, you can also visit the ADA or AAPD websites.

Visit us at Smiles4Children to consult with our experienced pediatric dentists. We can assess your child’s unique needs and provide guidance tailored just for your family. Don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram!