Fluoride For Babies: Is It Safe?

Fluoride for Babies

Parents should begin cleaning their baby's mouth as soon as they come home from the hospital by wiping their gums with gauze or a washcloth. As soon as that first tooth appears, it's at risk for decay. That's why the ADA recommends using a bit of fluoride toothpaste on your baby's first tooth.

When helping your child brush their teeth twice a day, use a smear (no bigger than a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste for children younger than 3 years old and a pea-sized amount for children 3 to 6 years old. Have your child spit out the toothpaste as soon as they are able to do so.

Topical fluoride applications, such as fluoride gels or varnishes, are routine procedures for most children during their dental checkup appointments. Varnishes are easier to apply to the teeth of younger children, allowing treatments to begin at an early age.

Right diet you wouldn't need to give treatment to babies.