I have a 15-month-old and his new doctor says that he needs flouride. The last doctor, however, said that he didn't--that it was more harmful than helpful. Our water isn't flouridated here. So the current doctor prescribed him some flouride drops to give him daily. Which doctor is right? Is flouride helpful or harmful? What are the benifits or risks involved?
2006-09-29 04:39:44 · 15 answers · asked by Crystal B 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
GIVE IT TO YOUR CHILD, I HAVE A 3 YEAR OLD, THAT DOESN'T HAVE A HIGH SUGAR DIET, AND I FAILED TO GIVE HIM FLUORIDE DROPS AND TABLETS. I'M FACING HIM HAVING 6 CROWNS AND FILLINGS ALL AT ONCE ON JAN. 4, 2007. THE DENTIST KNEW THAT I DIDN'T GIVE HIM FLUORIDE, THEY KNOW. THEY ACTUALLY NEED TO GIVE GIMA A GENERAL TO KNOCK HIM OUT.
GIVE IT, IT WILL HELP HIS TEETH, AND CLEAN HIS TEETH 2 A DAY AND FLOSS THEM. I DO NOW.
2006-09-29 05:11:09 · answer #1 · answered by tymiri 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I honestly don't think he needs flouride drops at this young age. However, when he turns 5 or 6 ask your dentist about a flouride rinse that can be used once a day after brushing. My son has been using Colgate Phos-Flur Flouride rinse sinse he was 6 he is now 9. It comes in grape and he loves it. You can't eat or drink 30 minutes after the rinse which is why he uses his before bed. I would say at this age just keep taking him to the dentist twice a year and keep brushing his teeth reguarly. If you feel he does need flouride try giving him water that has flouride in it. I don't know how your son is but if he's like most kids it may be easier to get him to drink water than to sit still for drop. Good Luck!! : )
2006-09-29 11:42:13 · answer #2 · answered by ~wishful~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would use the flouride drops as directed by your sons doctor - if he does not get flouride from any other source. Flouride in toothpaste can be harmful if swallowed, but the drops are different and made to be taken orally. Tooth decay in toddlers can be a real problem - if you feel confident that his sugar intake is very low and that you brush his teeth thoroughly and on a consistent basis (especially before bedtime) then you may not want to bother with it.
2006-09-29 11:55:50 · answer #3 · answered by N 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flouride won't really harm his teeth. My son has been taking flouride drops daily since he was just under a year old and he is now almost 2 and a half. If you're that concerned, contact your dentist and ask him / her what they think, because in the end, my pediatrician said that it's really up to a dentist whether or not your child needs to keep taking fluoride.
2006-09-29 16:35:48 · answer #4 · answered by squeekmnstr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Flouride is harmful only if taken TOO MUCH. A little drop a day doesn't hurt. Is he having prolem with teeth? Make sure you don't get the flouirde toothpaste, because kids at this age tend to swallow the paste. If you do, make sure it's just a tiny bit, like smaller than a small pea.
2006-09-29 11:45:16 · answer #5 · answered by mom_of_ndm 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a dentist assist and the flouride drops are ok but don't over do it. You can cause sppots on the teeth from to much flouride. But your child does need it to help its teeth grow nice and strong. Try giving the child the nursery water that has flouride water in it first
2006-09-29 11:44:27 · answer #6 · answered by beachluver1432 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He needs the fluoride drops!
If your water doesn't have it- he needs the drops. It's true that too much flouride causes white spots on the teeth but the drops won't do that.
2006-09-29 11:41:33 · answer #7 · answered by Alison 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can look up tons of sites on fluoride, pro and con. A lot of recent study though has shown that fluoride is not as beneficently as thought in the past. I go by an easy equation.
GOD (nature) MADE; good
MAN (synthetic) MADE : bad.
I swish hydrogen peroxide daily, and have white teeth and no troubles. Might be a lil tough for a 15 mo old though.
2006-09-29 11:44:32 · answer #8 · answered by n2theblue66 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not sure what you're feeding him, but I use Nursery Water which contains flouride in it when making his bottles, juices, cereals, etc.
If they sell water specifically for babies over-the-counter as young as a newborn, then I'm guessing it's not harmful whatsoever for them especially not a 15 month old.
2006-09-29 11:43:54 · answer #9 · answered by peachez03 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some flouride is helpful especially with dental problems. It helps cavities to not get worse and helps prevent them. If he swallows to much it could make him sick. I wouldn't give it to him. It isn't worth the risks. He will loose his baby teeth anyways.
2006-09-29 11:42:22 · answer #10 · answered by sceptileptic 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just know this. fluoride is the by-product of aluminum and is a proven carcinogen. Back in the day, 70's I think, in the little town where they manufactured aluminum, every other house had a case of cancer. Now, when they give babies/kids fluoride treatments, that is why they get sick and throw up after treatment, it is poison. Please do some research on this. It is okay to put in mouth, but when you swallow it, is when the trouble starts.
2006-09-29 15:51:51 · answer #11 · answered by violetmax 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋