Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan understands that some parents have mixed opinions on fluoride and we think it is important to provide some evidence-based and scientific commentary on the topic. Some people have been guided to believe that fluoride contains strange contaminants and is unsafe for their children and therefore are not protecting their children’s teeth with the beneficial fluoride applications that are responsible for a major reduction in dental disease in our society over the past 40 years.
All of our doctors want parents and other concerned parties to know the real truth about fluoride. According to Dr. Elizabeth Ralstrom of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, “fluoride applications are actually quite safe. Fluoride has been extremely effective in reducing the risk of caries (cavities) and reversing enamel demineralization.”
Ralstrom referenced the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) in the words of their own policy, which states: the adjustment of the fluoride level in community water supplies to optimal concentration is the most beneficial and inexpensive method of reducing the occurrence of caries. Epidemiologic data from the last half-century indicate reductions in caries of 55 to 60 percent, and recent data show caries reduction of approximately 25 percent, without significant enamel fluorosis, when domestic water supplies are fluoridated at an optimal level. Evidence accumulated from long-term use of fluorides has demonstrated that the cost of oral health care for children can be reduced by as much as 50 percent.
The widespread use of fluoride has been a major factor in the decline of cavities in the United States and other economically developed countries. When fluoride is used as it is intended, it is both safe and effective. “When we make a decision to provide a fluoride supplement to any of our patients, each patient’s particular needs — as well as the risks and benefits — are determined. We weigh the slight risk of mild or moderate fluorosis (whitish speckle on the teeth) against the benefits of decreasing caries occurrence and, in some cases preventing, devastating dental disease,” says Dr. Ralstrom.
The AAPD review includes clear recommendations for appropriate fluoride use including directions on how to properly supplement a child’s diet, recommendations for health professionals to properly administer fluoride based on age and enamel growth, and commentary that will hopefully encourage information on fluoride content to appear on the nutrition information label for beverages and infant formula.
“(The APPD provides) a great review of the scientific and clinical evidence in support of fluoride use both in community water fluoridation, topical use in toothpaste and professional fluoride treatments applied in the dental office,” Ralstrom said. “There is no evidence of any harmful effects of fluoride at the levels and amounts that are used clinically.”
Interested parties can find out more information regarding the AAPD’s findings at either
http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/P_FluorideUse.pdf
http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/G_FluorideTherapy.pdf.
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker and Associates can provide more information about the safety and efficacy of fluoride use upon request.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital when needed.
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan
39400 Garfield Rd., Suite 200
Clinton Township, MI 48038
586-286-0700
www.mychildsteeth.com
