Caring for new teeth: Fluoride and calcium concerns

The question of fluoride

If your family has poor teeth in general, or your water is low in fluoride, you can give your baby a fluoride supplement or the tissue salt remedy, calc fluor.

Most dentists would recommend a fluoride supplement once your baby starts sprouting teeth, but you should take certain factors into consideration. Poor teeth in the family, excessive use of medication (especially certain antibiotics like tetracyclines) and poor fluoride levels in water supplies, will increase the chances of your child needing these supplements. If there are no such risk factors, you might not have to supplement at all, especially if you have breastfed for a significant amount of time.

Remember that little ones who clean their teeth with fluoride toothpaste often ingest fluoride this way. There is some controversy about the effects of the regular use of fluoride and its effects on the human body. Some studies show that female infertility may be increased, brittle bones may be more likely, certain types of cancer are more common and that fluorosis is more likely to occur – a condition that causes white spots on and brown discoloration of teeth. Other adverse effects are also reported, but some studies dis-pute these findings.

The calcium connection

Calcium is key to forming and maintaining strong teeth. A healthy diet can supply enough calcium, but if you feel your child needs a general supplement, make sure to choose good-quality ones that are easily incorporated into and tolerated by the body. The tissue salt remedies calc fluor and calc phos help build strong teeth and improve the absorption of dietary calcium too.

By Sister Lilian


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