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 Parents
should begin brushing their infant's
teeth using a small smear of fluoridated
toothpaste as soon as the first tooth
erupts.
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Topical fluoride is probably the most
important source of prevention of tooth decay. Topical
fluoride reaches the teeth directly. It inhibits the
metabolism of the decay-producing bacteria in plaque
and stabilizes minerals in the teeth, thus preventing
or slowing down the caries process. Topical fluoride
is most effective when delivered at very low doses
many times a day through water, foods containing fluoride,
and fluoridated toothpaste.
Almost all toothpaste manufactured
in the United States provides topical fluoride.
Toothpaste
often becomes an unintended source of systemic fluoride
(rather than an intended source of topical fluoride)
when it is swallowed.
Excess ingested fluorides may cause fluorosis. (See
Module 3,
section 3.5, Fluorosis.)
Parents should begin brushing their infant's teeth
using a small smear of fluoridated toothpaste as
soon as the first tooth erupts. [5] After
age 2, parents should use a pea-size amount of fluoridated
toothpaste.
Children should spit out the toothpaste after brushing
but
should
not
rinse with water. The small amount of fluoridated
toothpaste that remains in the mouth helps prevent
tooth decay.[1]
Another form of topical fluoride is
professionally applied fluoride (via varnishes,
gels, foams), which renews the high levels of fluoride
in superficial enamel (the outer layer). Topical
fluoride
may be especially effective for those children at
high risk for dental
caries because they lack fluoridated water,
have a history of caries, snack frequently on
foods high in sugar (see Nutrition
section, this module), or have a medical problem
that decreases caries resistance.
(See Module 7.) These treatments also enhance remineralization
of early carious lesions. Topical fluoride treatments
should be applied only by a dentist or other qualified
health professional.
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