Fluoride – What Parents Need to Know About This Natural Cavity Fighter
Posted on April 15, 2025
When it comes to protecting your child’s smile, brushing and flossing are just the beginning. There’s another powerful tool in the fight against cavities—fluoride. You’ve probably heard the word tossed around at dental visits or seen it listed on your child’s toothpaste, but what exactly is fluoride, and why does it matter so much in pediatric dentistry?
At Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center in Silver Spring, MD, we take pride in making dental care easy to understand and accessible for families. So, let’s talk about fluoride—what it does, where it comes from, and how it helps your child’s smile stay strong.
What Is Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and even certain foods. It’s well known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel—the outer layer of your teeth—and help prevent tooth decay. When used the right way and in the right amount, fluoride is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your child’s teeth from cavities.
How Does Fluoride Work?
Fluoride works in two main ways:
- It helps rebuild (or remineralize) weakened enamel. Every day, your child’s enamel goes through a process of losing and gaining minerals. Fluoride helps speed up the process of replacing lost minerals, which keeps teeth healthier and stronger.
- It makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks. Sugary foods and drinks lead to acids that can wear down enamel. Fluoride acts like a shield, making it harder for those acids to do damage.
Even before teeth come in, fluoride can help. When children drink fluoridated water or take fluoride supplements, the mineral gets incorporated into their developing teeth, setting the foundation for stronger enamel from the start.
Why Fluoride Matters for Kids
Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic conditions among children in the U.S. The good news? It’s almost entirely preventable—and fluoride plays a big part in that.
Here at Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center, we’ve seen firsthand how kids with consistent exposure to fluoride tend to have fewer cavities. And fewer cavities means less time in the dental chair, fewer fillings, and a much better experience for both parents and kids.
Using fluoride early and regularly gives your child’s teeth the best chance to stay healthy into adulthood.
Where Do Kids Get Fluoride?
There are a few common sources of fluoride your child may already be using:
- Toothpaste: Most children’s toothpastes contain fluoride. It’s important to use the right amount—usually a smear the size of a grain of rice for babies and toddlers, and a pea-sized amount for older kids.
- Drinking water: Many public water systems, including those in Maryland, add fluoride to the water supply. Drinking tap water every day is one of the easiest ways to give your child regular fluoride exposure.
- Fluoride treatments at the dentist: At your child’s checkup, we may recommend a fluoride varnish or gel. It’s quick, painless, and gives an extra boost of protection—especially for kids who are prone to cavities.
- Supplements: For children who don’t get enough fluoride through water, we may prescribe a supplement. This is more common in areas where the water supply isn’t fluoridated.
Is Fluoride Safe?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from parents. And we totally get it—you want to make sure anything that goes in or on your child’s body is safe.
Decades of research show that fluoride is safe and effective when used properly. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all recommend fluoride to help prevent cavities in children.
That said, like anything, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. That’s why we always guide parents on how much toothpaste to use and talk about the right level of fluoride for each child’s needs.
What About Fluorosis?
Fluorosis is a cosmetic condition that can happen if a child gets too much fluoride while their teeth are still forming. It usually shows up as faint white spots on the enamel, and in most cases, it’s so mild that it’s hardly noticeable.
The key to preventing fluorosis is using fluoride in the right amounts. At Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center, we make sure to evaluate your child’s fluoride intake and provide personalized recommendations based on age, oral health, and local water sources.
How We Use Fluoride at Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center
Every child is different, and that means their fluoride needs are too. During your child’s visit, we’ll:
- Review their brushing habits
- Talk about fluoride in your home water supply
- Recommend the best toothpaste and amount to use
- Provide professional fluoride treatments if needed
We focus on prevention first. The goal isn’t just to treat cavities—it’s to stop them before they start. Our team is trained to work with kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens, and we always take the time to explain things in a way that both kids and parents can understand.
Tips for Using Fluoride at Home
Here are some easy ways to make sure your child is getting the right amount of fluoride:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Supervise young children while brushing to make sure they’re not swallowing too much toothpaste.
- Check your water source. If you’re using bottled or filtered water, it might not contain fluoride. We’re happy to help you check and recommend supplements if needed.
- Keep regular dental visits. Our team will help you keep track of your child’s fluoride needs and make adjustments as they grow.
- Don’t overdo it. More fluoride doesn’t always mean better. Stick with the recommended amounts, and reach out to us if you’re unsure.
Common Myths About Fluoride
Let’s clear up a few misunderstandings:
- “Fluoride is unnatural.” Actually, fluoride is a mineral that’s found naturally in rocks, soil, and water.
- “It’s only for kids with cavities.” Fluoride helps prevent cavities, so it’s useful for every child—even if their teeth are currently cavity-free.
- “Natural toothpaste without fluoride is better.” While it’s understandable to want natural products, fluoride toothpaste is one of the best tools for protecting your child’s teeth. If you’re considering a fluoride-free toothpaste, talk to us first so we can guide you based on your child’s dental health.
Why Choose Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center?
Fluoride is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to keeping your child’s smile healthy—and our team is here to make the entire experience simple, fun, and stress-free.
At Dr. Camps Pediatric Dental Center in Silver Spring, MD, we’ve created a welcoming environment where kids feel comfortable and parents feel supported. From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll see that we’re more than just a dental office—we’re a team that genuinely cares about your child’s wellbeing.
We use a combination of education, preventive care, and gentle techniques to help your child build lifelong habits that lead to healthy smiles. Whether it’s their first visit or their tenth, you can count on us to deliver expert care with a smile.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you’re wondering whether your child is getting the right amount of fluoride—or if you just want to make sure their smile is on the right track—come visit us for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know and help create a personalized plan for your child’s dental health.
Call us today at (301) 989-8994 to schedule your free consultation—we’d love to meet you and your child!
A little fluoride goes a long way—and with the right care team by your side, your child’s smile will be set for a bright, healthy future.