Experts say that fluoride is an element found in well and artesian waters, seafood, and tea, and that our body needs a certain amount of fluoride. Stating that fluoride reduces the need for treatment thanks to its antimicrobial feature, Pediatric Dentist Dr. Instructor Member Şebnem N. Koçan points out that fluoride application can be made at any age if deemed necessary. Koçan warns that taking more than necessary fluoride may cause some problems.
Üsküdar Dental Hospital Pediatric Dentist Dr. Instructor Member Şebnem N. Koçan gave information about fluoride application in children.
Fluoride can be applied at any age
Reminding that fluoride is an element found in wells and artesian waters, seafood, and tea, Pediatric Dentist Dr. Instructor Member Şebnem N. Koçan said, “Our body needs a certain amount of fluoride. Dentists decide on professional fluoride application, taking into account individual conditions such as caries activity, the amount of water consumed and the amount of fluoride in foods. If necessary, fluoride can be applied at any age. However, the route and dose of fluoride may vary according to the age and general condition of the child. said.
Problems can arise if fluoride is too much
Stating that there is no harm or side effect from fluoride applications when it is in the appropriate dose and time intervals, Koçan said, “When the amount of fluoride taken daily is more than necessary, some problems may arise depending on the amount of dose taken. Problems such as staining of the teeth, accumulation of excess fluoride in the bones, thyroid disease, growth retardation, deterioration in kidney functions, nerve and brain development can be seen. made the statement.
Fluoride application reduces the need for tooth treatment
Noting that one should not eat or drink water for 1-2 hours depending on the way fluoride is applied, Koçan said, “Teeth should not be brushed or wiped. There may be a temporary discoloration of the teeth. Fluoride enters the mineral crystals in the teeth, making the teeth more resistant to acids secreted by the bacteria that cause caries. At the same time, fluoride has antimicrobial properties. It reduces the amount of acid produced by bacteria that cause caries. It reduces the need for treatment of the tooth by stopping the progression rate of new caries or completely stopping them. Professional fluoride applications are recommended every 6 months.” he said.
Until the child is 12 years old, parents should follow oral and dental care
Pediatric Dentist Dr. Emphasizing that children should have their first dental check-up within 6 months after the first milk tooth erupts or before they are 12 months old. Instructor Member Şebnem N. Koçan said, “The necessary dental care training for the child is given to the family during the first dental examination. Parents should follow oral and dental care until children reach the age of 12. Before the age of 6, the child's manual dexterity is not developed enough to clean their own teeth effectively. In order for his dexterity to develop, he must first brush his own teeth, and then the parent must brush again.” said.
Expressing that children between the ages of 6-12 have the dexterity to clean their own teeth, Koçan concluded his words as follows:
“However, it is recommended that children brush their teeth under parental supervision to ensure that the teeth are fully cleaned. For this reason, it would be beneficial to provide dental health education collectively at the dentist clinic or schools, if possible, by the dentist around the age of 6, which is the age when children start brushing teeth on their own.