Author Name: Dr. Sandra Thompson
Yes.
Natural levels of fluoride in Southern Nevada’s water average 0.3 mg/L, while extra fluoride is added to the municipal water to reach 0.7 mg/L.
Fluoride protects the teeth because of its ability to strengthen enamel and support remineralization.
Sources of fluoride for children include:
Fluoridated water cannot substitute for regular brushing. Children must continue to brush their teeth two times per day with an appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste according to their age. The level of fluoride should be checked if the parents are using a private well system.
Minerals are continually being lost and replaced by tooth enamel.
The bacteria found in the dental plaque can break down the sugars from foods and beverages into acids. These acids will then cause the loss of minerals from the tooth enamel. This process is what causes tooth decay to occur.
The fluoride will act as reinforcement for the tooth enamel making it more difficult to lose any further minerals. Fluoride will even allow the restoration of minerals that have been lost.
However, fluoride does not ensure that there will be no tooth decay in the teeth.
No.
Fluoridated water and toothpaste have different purposes but complement each other.
The former gives daily, lower-level contact with fluoride whereas the latter gives concentrated fluoride contact during brushing as well as removing plaque from the teeth.
It is important for children to have both of them especially when there is fluoridated water.
Yes. The total fluoride intake is important, especially when permanent teeth are being formed.
Too much fluoride during tooth development may result in dental fluorosis. Mild fluorosis may occur as white spots or lines in the enamel.
But parents shouldn’t think that every white spot in a tooth is fluorosis.
Similar changes may result from:
A pediatric dentist is capable of evaluating the age of the child, water fluoride intake, fluoride toothpaste use, history of cavities, and other fluoride sources before suggesting further treatment.
Fluoride supplements must never be given to children without expert advice.
Not at all. Hard water in Las Vegas is not deemed unhealthy for your tooth enamel just because it is comprised of calcium and magnesium.
Water hardness is determined by the presence of minerals. Water hardness is distinct from fluoride.
The Las Vegas water is considered very hard and is composed of 280 parts per million or 16 grains per gallon of hardness.
Mineral deposits are sometimes seen by parents in areas such as faucets, showerheads, or home equipment. This does not imply that the water is bad for your teeth.
Hard water is not regarded as an agent responsible for tooth decay either.
Decay formation involves several different factors including bacteria, sugar, acid, saliva, fluoride, enamel, and dental hygiene.
Parents should not automatically blame hard water if a child develops white spots, brown areas, pits, or other unusual enamel changes.
Possible causes include:
A pediatric dental examination is the best way to determine the cause.
Las Vegas has a hot, dry climate, so children may need frequent access to water during school, sports, outdoor activities, and warmer months.
Hydration supports saliva production.
Saliva helps:
A dry mouth does not necessarily lead to tooth decay, but hydration will help maintain a better oral environment. Parents can also learn more about hydration for kids and oral health.
Another benefit of drinking plain water is that it will not continually bathe your teeth in sugar and acids like children’s drinks.
But not always in every case.
The municipal tap water from Las Vegas provides water to drink without sugar content with the fluoride content of 0.7 mg/L.
Fluoride content in bottled water varies. While some bottled waters do have fluoride content, there are some that have very less fluoride content than the municipal water.
This does not imply that bottled water is not good for your teeth.
But if a child mainly consumes bottled water, it is important to let the dentist know during their appointments.
Bottled water is comparatively a better hydration choice than sodas or juices or other drinks.
It depends on the filtration system.
Many common activated-carbon filters used to improve taste or odor generally do not significantly remove fluoride.
Other systems may reduce fluoride levels, including:
Parents should check the manufacturer’s specifications for their particular system rather than assuming fluoride is either removed or retained.
If a child mainly drinks reverse-osmosis or distilled water, mention this during pediatric dental visits.
Pure water can hydrate without exposing the teeth to any sugar or dietary acid.
Drinking of soda, juices, sports drinks, sugary drinks, and flavored drinks more often increases the number of times that the teeth are exposed to acid.
Consuming water during snack time can cut down on the exposures as well.
Drinking water after snacks may wash away any food debris, but it cannot be used in place of brushing and flossing.
Most Las Vegas families do not need to change their water habits simply because the area has hard water.
Parents should discuss water and fluoride with a pediatric dentist if their child:
A dentist for kids looks at the complete cavity-risk picture rather than water alone. Families can also learn more about preventive pediatric dental care available through Desert Kids Dental.
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