Keeping your teeth healthy
FLUORIDE – a naturally occurring mineral found in water and the oceans is a compound found in toothpastes – helps protect teeth from tooth decay.
But when young children ingest too much fluoride while brushing their teeth, it can lead to dental fluorosis.
Dental fluorosis is a condition where teeth appear to have white spots.
To reduce the chances of swallowing fluoride into the digestive tract, children should use toothpaste formulated with lesser fluoride.
British health services website www.nhs.uk reports adults should brush at least twice daily with a toothpaste containing 1350-1500ppm fluoride.
Children under 12 years old should use toothpastes that contain less fluoride.
“The amount for fluoride for the younger group of children is lesser as they tend to swallow more toothpaste.
“The reduction in amount of fluoride reduces the chance of extra fluoride being ingested into their body,” explained Jordan Asia Pacific country manager (Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan) Eric Yong.
Malaysian Dental Association president Dr Ng Woan Tyng says children up to six years of age should use children’s toothpaste under supervision of parents.
“Children up to three years old are required to use only a ‘rice’ size amount of toothpaste. Older children (six years and above) require a ‘pea’ size amount of toothpaste.”
Yong explained Jordan’s newest toothpastes do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the chemical used in cosmetic, body wash and soaps. It is a surfactant that turns liquids into foam.
“Some toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). But too much of SLS can have irritating effects on the lining of children’s mouth and gums.”
He added that a common misconception among parents is that toddlers (children below three years old) need not brush their teeth with toothpaste.
“Parents need to be educated on the importance of cleaning baby’s inner mouth and gums even before the formation of their first tooth.
“Parents should also cultivate a good oral hygiene regime among children, especially during their transition from milk to permanent teeth,” said Yong, adding people should brush their teeth for a minimum of two minutes.
He adds children should start to floss their teeth from five years old.
Jordan has launched its Brush Time app for children below six to teach them about oral hygiene. It’s available on the App Store and Google Play.