fluoride is one of the most common ingredients in oral hygiene products. The function of this mineral for teeth is to strengthen the enamel. However, its incorrect use is not without health risks, especially for the youngest members of the household.

There are different toothpastes for children on the market that differ in the amount of fluoride they contain. Do you know why the content of fluoride is divided according to the age and needs of each child? Find out all about the use of fluoride for children.

What is itfluoride?

fluoride is a mineral that strengthens, repairs and protects tooth enamel. Topical use of this product helps to reduce or prevent tooth decay, especially in infancy, when the enamel thickness of baby teeth is thinner and more prone to damage.

This mineral is frequently found in children's toothpastes, in order to protect against the damage caused by dental plaque on children's teeth.

However, fluoride is an element that in its pure state is dangerous to health and should always be used in the correct way to avoid risks. The amount and type of fluoride found in toothpastes for dental hygiene are adapted to the needs of each population group.

fluoride to prevent tooth decay in children

fluoride is also a micronutrient found naturally in oily fish, cereals, some green leafy vegetables and fruits such as grapes. Because of its health-promoting properties, it is added to drinking water in many communities to strengthen the teeth and bones of the entire population.

To provide extra protection against caries, all toothpastes nowadays contain fluoride. In the case of children, this element is of utmost importance to prevent the development of caries, as they are patients at high risk of suffering from the negative effects of dental plaque.

Once children have started teething, it is recommended to start using toothpastes with fluoride appropriate for their age. The intended effect of these products is to promote remineralisation of teeth, while preventing damage to tooth enamel due to the acid activity released by bacteria in dental plaque.

At what age is it advisable to start using fluoride?

From theeruption of the first tooth , children can and should start using toothpaste with fluoride. It is not only a supplement for the oral hygiene of the child, but also provides the necessary minerals to strengthen the enamel of the baby teeth.

The amount of fluoride varies with the age of children. For this reason, there are different types of toothpaste for children with a higher or lower content of fluoride adapted to their age.

It is also necessary to bear in mind that for the dental hygiene of a younger child, it is sufficient to use an amount of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. As the child grows, the amount of toothpaste and the content of fluoride in the toothpaste will increase to suit the child's needs.

Children's toothpastes with fluoride

There are many differences between adult toothpastes and children's toothpastes besides the taste. One of the most important is the content of fluoride, which is adapted to the needs of the youngest members of the household and also to their abilities.

The constant intake of excess fluoride by children could have negative effects on them. It should not be forgotten that fluoride, although safe, is not completely harmless.

This is one of the main reasons why toothpastes for babies and young children are lower in this mineral and other compounds.

According to the recommendations of paediatric dentists, the type of toothpaste and the amount of product used for children's oral hygiene should be as follows:

Children from 0 to 3 years old

According to the Spanish Society of Paediatric Dentistry, from the eruption of the first milk tooth, it is possible to start using toothpaste with a content in fluoride of 1,000 ppm F ‾, in an amount equivalent to one grade of rice. FluorKIN Calcium is a toothpaste that provides calcium and fluoride to protect and promote the growth of healthy baby teeth.

The way to use the toothpaste will be through daily toothbrushing, which should be done by an adult with the help of a toothbrush with a small brush head such as the KIN Children's Toothbrush. When finished, it is important to rinse the child's mouth to remove any remaining toothpaste, as the baby will not yet be able to spit out on its own.

Children from 3 to 6 years old

From the age of 3 years onwards, the amount of toothpaste with 1,000 ppm F ‾ will vary to the size of a pea, using a children's toothbrush with a small brush head, and always under adult supervision.

From 6 years of age

At over 6 years of age, children can brush their teeth unaided, spitting out the toothpaste residue to avoid swallowing the toothpaste. This is when children should use toothpastes with a fluoride content of 1,450 ppm F ‾, such as the products in the FluorKIN Junior line. FluorKIN Junior.

To ensure correct brushing, the KIN Junior brush is the perfect size and shape, with an anatomical handle so that children can hold it comfortably. At this age, children should complement their oral hygiene with other accessories and products, such as mouthwash and dental floss.

Risks of fluoride for children: Dental Fluorosis

Excessive exposure to fluoride can lead to altered enamel formation in children. Known as dental fluorosis, this appears as white spots on the surface of the teeth.

This risk is greater in children who are in the phase of formation of permanent teeth, directly affecting the maturation of the enamel.

For this reason, and in order to limit the amount of fluoride that children can swallow when they do not yet know how to spit out the remains of toothpaste correctly, it is important to use toothpastes that are appropriate for the age of each child.