Why fluoride is crucial in preventing tooth decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood and also affects young children.
Baby teeth play a crucial role as placeholders for permanent teeth and influence language development, food intake and overall health. Scientific studies clearly show that fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and effectively prevents tooth decay by increasing resistance to acids and reducing the metabolism of caries-causing bacteria.
The timely and correctly dosed use of fluoride has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay even with the first baby teeth. Fluoride remineralizes tooth enamel and can better defend itself against acid attacks.
Basics of tooth development in young children
Teeth development begins long before birth. Baby teeth are created in the womb, and after birth, it takes about six months before the first teeth become visible. The lower central incisors are usually the first to break through, followed by the upper incisors. By the age of three, all 20 baby teeth should be completely broken through.
This development process varies from person to person and can be influenced by genetic factors, diet and other external influences. During this time, it is crucial to actively promote dental health through appropriate measures such as fluoridation.
Birth to the first tooth: Basics of fluoride supply
It is important to ensure the right fluoride supply immediately after birth. In this phase, the current recommendations include the daily administration of a tablet containing both 400-500 IU of vitamin D and 0.25 mg fluoride. This measure protects against tooth decay at an early stage, even if no teeth are yet visible, and supports healthy tooth development.
The administration of this combined tablet has been well researched medically and is establishing itself as a safe standard in Germany.
Dental care from the first tooth to the 12th month
As soon as the first tooth becomes visible, actual dental care begins. There are two established procedures in this phase:
- Option 1: Continue daily administration of the combined vitamin D fluoride tablet and brushing twice a day with fluoride-free toothpaste.
- Option 2: Use of fluoride toothpaste (1000 ppm) in large quantities of rice grain twice a day and separate dose of vitamin D without fluoride.
The term “amount of rice grain” corresponds to approximately 0.125 grams of toothpaste. This comparison of quantities makes it easier for parents to find the right dosage in everyday life. The vitamin D tablet should be passed on until the “second experienced early summer.” In addition, it is recommended to use a soft children's toothbrush or fingerling right from the start and to playfully establish a dental care routine with the child.
The right fluoride dosage between 12 and 24 months
Between the 12th and 24th month, the risk of tooth decay increases as the child's diet becomes more varied. However, the fluoride dosage remains constant for now. Experts also recommend a rice grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste (1000 ppm) when used twice a day.
In this phase, dental care should be increasingly taken over by the parents and the child should slowly be introduced to brushing their own teeth. It is important that parents pay attention to the dosage to prevent an overdose due to swallowing the toothpaste.
Fluoride for children between 2 and 6 years
From the age of two, parents should intensify dental care and teach children to brush independently. Children continue to use fluoride toothpaste (1000 ppm), but in a slightly larger amount (pea-sized amount, approx. 0.25 g).
Parental supervision when brushing teeth remains important until the child is able to reliably master the correct technique. Regular cleaning by adults is recommended until school starts to effectively prevent tooth decay.
The KAI method (chewing surfaces, outdoor surfaces, interior surfaces) can be introduced to children of this age in a playful way in order to establish a systematic cleaning technique. It is also particularly important to comply with the recommended cleaning time of at least two minutes.
Tooth brushing songs or special apps can help keep to this time and make brushing more attractive for children. Fluoride paints, which are applied by dentists every six months, offer additional protection against tooth decay in this age group, particularly for children with an increased risk of tooth decay.
Be careful with fluoride in drinking water and salt
Many parents forget that fluoride can be absorbed not only through toothpaste or tablets, but also through drinking water and table salt. If there is a fluoride content of more than 0.7 mg per liter of drinking water, the additional use of fluoridated table salt should be avoided in order to avoid an oversupply.
In addition, fluoride tablets and fluoridated salt should never be used at the same time, as this could lead to an overdose and the possible development of enamel fluorosis.
conclusion
Fluoride is an indispensable component in early childhood dental care. When used correctly, fluoride provides safe and highly effective protection against early childhood tooth decay. Parents should be aware of the current recommendations, implement them consistently and always ensure the correct dosage is correct. Together with regular dental visits and a good diet, you are thus laying the basis for healthy teeth — for a lifetime.
