Scare the Cavities Away
- posted: Oct. 11, 2024
With Halloween and the holidays approaching, there are lots of sweet treats to enjoy. It’s important to remember to take care of your teeth and scare the cavities away! In addition to brushing and flossing after all meals, let’s talk about the importance of fluoride for oral hygiene.
Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in a variety of foods. Fluoride can help to minimize or reverse the progression of tooth decay and helps to stimulate bone growth. It is also known to strengthen tooth enamel against acid that is found in many foods and reduce the effects of plaque. Most fluoride is consumed through fluoridated water, tooth paste, or vitamins/supplements. Some food and beverages prepared with fluoridated water include black tea, oatmeal, raisins, shellfish, and potatoes however they only contain trace concentrations of fluoride. Typically, fluoride gets into water naturally when snow melts and it trickles over rocks containing this mineral. However, since Maui is an island with volcanic soil but no high mountainous sources of water this natural phenomenon doesn't occur. Additionally, according to the Department of Water Supply, there is no added fluoride in the water that is distributed throughout Maui County.
Due to the lack of fluoride found in the County’s water supply, it is important to ensure that your child is receiving an adequate amount of fluoride by consuming a fluoride supplement available by prescription, using fluoride toothpaste, or receiving fluoride varnishes at the dentist. Dr. Frank Baum and Leesa Foree, PA-C, recommend that children start taking multi-vitamins with fluoride daily at 6 months of age. This is especially important because there is a minimal concentration of fluoride found in breast milk and formula. Calcium containing products such as milk should not be taken with a fluoride supplement as it can reduce the absorption of fluoride to our bones and teeth. Instead, we suggest waiting 30 minutes to eat or drink products containing a high level of calcium. It is recommended that your child see a dentist once their first tooth erupts or by the time they turn 1 and have check-ups every 6 months. It is important to brush and floss your child’s teeth after all meals and promote healthy oral hygiene habits.
If you need a refill on multivitamins with fluoride or any medications, give our office a call or send us a text with your child’s name, date of birth, and preferred pharmacy at 844-904-7384.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Fluoride.aspx
https://www.mauicounty.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=852
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Fluoride-HealthProfessional/
- posted: Oct. 11, 2024
With Halloween and the holidays approaching, there are lots of sweet treats to enjoy. It’s important to remember to take care of your teeth and scare the cavities away! In addition to brushing and flossing after all meals, let’s talk about the importance of fluoride for oral hygiene.
Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in a variety of foods. Fluoride can help to minimize or reverse the progression of tooth decay and helps to stimulate bone growth. It is also known to strengthen tooth enamel against acid that is found in many foods and reduce the effects of plaque. Most fluoride is consumed through fluoridated water, tooth paste, or vitamins/supplements. Some food and beverages prepared with fluoridated water include black tea, oatmeal, raisins, shellfish, and potatoes however they only contain trace concentrations of fluoride. Typically, fluoride gets into water naturally when snow melts and it trickles over rocks containing this mineral. However, since Maui is an island with volcanic soil but no high mountainous sources of water this natural phenomenon doesn't occur. Additionally, according to the Department of Water Supply, there is no added fluoride in the water that is distributed throughout Maui County.
Due to the lack of fluoride found in the County’s water supply, it is important to ensure that your child is receiving an adequate amount of fluoride by consuming a fluoride supplement available by prescription, using fluoride toothpaste, or receiving fluoride varnishes at the dentist. Dr. Frank Baum and Leesa Foree, PA-C, recommend that children start taking multi-vitamins with fluoride daily at 6 months of age. This is especially important because there is a minimal concentration of fluoride found in breast milk and formula. Calcium containing products such as milk should not be taken with a fluoride supplement as it can reduce the absorption of fluoride to our bones and teeth. Instead, we suggest waiting 30 minutes to eat or drink products containing a high level of calcium. It is recommended that your child see a dentist once their first tooth erupts or by the time they turn 1 and have check-ups every 6 months. It is important to brush and floss your child’s teeth after all meals and promote healthy oral hygiene habits.
If you need a refill on multivitamins with fluoride or any medications, give our office a call or send us a text with your child’s name, date of birth, and preferred pharmacy at 844-904-7384.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Fluoride.aspx
https://www.mauicounty.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=852
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Fluoride-HealthProfessional/
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