ADA Says Fluoride Toothpaste Should be Given to Babies When First Tooth Appears

The American Dental Association (ADA) is now recommending the use of fluoride toothpaste in babies as soon as their first tooth appears. The ADA had previously recommended the using water to brush toddlers’ teeth until they are two years old and then introducing pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste until they turn six-years old.

However a new study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association brushing with fluoride toothpaste can provide significant protection against decay and cavities, though using pea-sized amounts of fluoride toothpaste can lead to a condition known as dental fluorosis, where staining or changes in the color of the tooth’s enamel occurs in children younger than eight years old who consume large amounts of fluoride.

“Approximately 25 percent of children have or had cavities before entering kindergarten, so it’s important to provide guidance to caregivers on the appropriate use of fluoride toothpaste to help prevent their children from developing cavities”, the chair of the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs, Dr Edmund Truelove said.



Source-Medindia