A recent study warns parents against applying excessive fluoride toothpaste on their young children’s brushes than is advised, suggesting that they could switch over to fluoride-free options to be on the safe side.
Conducted by researchers from Canada and Germany, the study published in BDJ Open suggests that excessive fluoride use poses potential health risks for children under two, raising questions about how much is safe.
While good oral hygiene is vital to prevent cavities and other dental issues, the safety of fluoride toothpaste for infants and toddlers is under renewed scrutiny. Despite the widespread use of fluoride, dental caries remain a global issue, affecting nearly half of all children.
Excessive fluoride exposure can lead to dental fluorosis, a condition marked by discolouration and enamel damage due to high fluoride intake in early childhood.
The study found that young children are particularly susceptible, as they can swallow between 64pc and 100pc of the toothpaste used.
Current guidelines advise parents to use a “smear” or rice grain-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under two, and a pea-sized amount for those under six; however, many parents struggle to follow these recommendations.
The study, conducted across five daycare centres in Germany, involved parents using two commercial toothpaste brands containing 1,000 ppm of fluoride to simulate typical home use. The results were striking: parents were administering between 0.263g and 0.281g of fluoride, up to 8.2 times the recommended dose.
Additionally, over 60pc of parents were unaware of fluoride health guidelines, and nearly 15pc were using fluoride tablets alongside toothpaste, further increasing the risk of overexposure.
The findings underscore an urgent need for better awareness among parents about fluoride safety. Beyond toothpaste, children are exposed to fluoride from other sources like drinking water and certain foods, which can increase their overall fluoride intake.
The researchers say advertising could also be responsible for the excessive fluoride amounts used, with commercials often showing toothbrushes loaded with large amounts of toothpaste. Appealing flavours may also tempt young children to swallow more than they should.
To help reduce these risks, the study suggests considering fluoride-free alternatives, such as toothpaste containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate or hydroxyapatite, which are shown to protect against cavities effectively and are safe for young children if ingested. Transitioning to fluoride-free toothpaste could help prevent the risks associated with excessive fluoride exposure while ensuring good oral hygiene.
By adopting these recommendations, we can better protect our children’s dental health, fostering healthy smiles without unnecessary risk.