If your county or city provides your drinking water, you are more likely to be receiving the correct amount of fluoride. Most U.S. cities that have a municipal water supply are now mandated to monitor and adjust the amount of fluoride in the communities’ drinking water. Community water fluoridation is considered to be the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. It has been successful in the reduction of tooth decay among different populations and is the most cost-effective form of public prevention. Fluoridation is endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has listed community water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.

The optimal fluoride level in drinking water is 0.7 – 1.2 parts per million, an amount which has been proven beneficial in reducing tooth decay. Naturally occurring fluoride may be below or above these levels in some areas. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires notification by the water supplier if the fluoride level exceeds 2 parts per million. People living in areas where naturally occurring fluoride levels in drinking water exceed 2 parts per million should consider an alternative water source or home water treatments to reduce the risk of fluorosis for young children
Children drinking well water for their primary source should have their well water tested for fluoride concentration. The results should be discussed with the child’s pediatrician or dentist to determine whether or not the child should be given fluoride supplements. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER give a child any kind of fluoride supplement pill or vitamin without having your well water tested and consulting your physician/dentist. Too much fluoride is dangerous and can have devastating effects on the appearance of your child’s teeth as discussed above.

However, correct systemic fluoride amounts (taken in through drinking water) are very beneficial. Because I live in an area of suburban and rural populations, I have been exposed to patients both with and without well-water as their primary drinking water supply. The difference is astounding. In fact, it is so obvious, that an individual can usually be identified as a well-water patient just during an exam!

Infants begin the process of teething around 3-4 months old, until the first tooth makes its appearance around 6-7 months old. This long and sometimes tumultuous process will lay the foundation for many years to come. Did you know that babies are not born with the bacteria that cause cavities? Did you know that when we kiss and coo near our babies mouths that we introduce cavity causing bacteria to them, exposing them to possible tooth decay? By keeping those slobbery but wonderful kisses to a minimum, we may be able to delay tooth decay much longer in our kids.

Have you ever heard the popular myth, “Baby teeth can’t be important, they are just going to fall out anyway?” This all too popular belief among the dentally unaware is a huge cause for the many preventable dental problems with children’s teeth today. Baby teeth are extremely important to tooth position of the permanent teeth and can also play a large role in the future facial appearance of a child. They may determine whether or not a child will need braces or head-gear. Early orthodontic planning and treatment can save parents thousands of dollars later.

And, for those parents who cannot afford braces, early dental evaluation could yield less expensive solutions just by using alternative treatment while in the baby teeth years. This early intervention could save your child from being embarrassed of their smile as or wear braces as an adult. So how early should children’s teeth be placed in braces? Well, there are a multitude of factors to be considered and all are dependent on the dental situation as a child. After years of research, we now know that once children reach the age of puberty, conservative orthodontics is much more difficult. So, it is not uncommon or outrageous to evaluate and start simple orthodontic care as early as age 7, to help avoid more extensive orthodontics later.

Have you ever wondered why some children’s teeth appear darker or more yellow than their baby teeth? There are many causes of this from improper brushing, a dying tooth, genetic disorders and more. In most cases, yellow adult teeth are normal and appear yellow because of the contrasting bright color of baby teeth. However, knowing what is normal and what is not, is critical to catching other problems early before they cause other serious permanent problems.

As a mom, I always want to be aware of information regarding the health of my children. As a dentist I feel a strong need to inform and arm others with the knowledge to help their children. I am not a pediatric dentist or orthodontist, but do treat children’s teeth regularly. Because of this experience, I cannot express to parents enough the importance of being knowledgeable about the dental needs and development of your children’s teeth. Please remember: Baby teeth are not disposable. They are the most important start to a healthy and naturally beautiful set of adult teeth!