Recent conversation has brought attention to the unhealthy amount of toothpaste that kids are using and how it can affect their health. The concern is that a high intake of fluoride found in toothpaste can cause problems to the structure of the developing teeth, eg: changes in enamel structure.
It is discussed that “if kids swallow too much fluoride as their teeth are developing, they can develop dental fluorosis, essentially causing white marks and discoloration on their teeth.” CDC also recommends that kids younger than 2 years old do not use toothpaste and their teeth is only brushed with water.
Dr. Kammer, DDS and Founding Father of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, provided more insights on this topic, saying that:
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- Issues with fluorosis most usually can be detected in the early teenage years. It impacts a large number of kids however only a very small % have it to a moderate or severe degree.
- Issues with fluorosis can be easily detected if you go to a dentist on regular basis. If you see fluorosis on the earliest baby teeth erupting, then action must be taken to reduce fluoride consumption for the child.
- I recommend using Spry’s Kid’s Xylitol Tooth Gel which does not contain fluoride for kids younger than 2.
More info about the Kid’s Xylitol Tooth Gel from Spry Dental Defense: It has xylitol, a natural sweetener your kids will love. Xylitol is also good for your child’s dental health. It has unique properties which don’t let bacteria stick to teeth and gums. Because the bacteria can’t adhere, they can’t grow and flourish, which means your child’s teeth don’t have anything eating away at them.