Topical fluoride

Here are some points regarding topical fluoride to share with families:

• Topical fluoride is found in toothpaste, fluoride varnish, and tooth sealants.
• Encourage families to use fluoridated toothpaste even if the child only has 1 or 2 teeth. If the child is less than 2 and is not adequately spitting, use a small smear of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day. Once the child can spit, a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste can be used.
• It is important to keep toothpaste in a safe part of the house to prevent accidental ingestion and help the child apply the proper amount of toothpaste. Be aware that children love the taste of the “Children’s toothpaste” and have been known to eat whole tubes of it, which can result in fluorosis.
• Fluoride varnish is applied in the medical office for prevention of caries. It may also be applied to early childhood caries (ECC) and cavitations to retard the caries progression while they are awaiting a dental appointment. It can be curative for the early stage ECC.