Fluoride is a crucial substance highly effective in preventing tooth decay, particularly in children. When children maintain good dental health, they can enjoy their daily activities, including eating, studying, and playing, without missing school due to dental problems.
Recently, research regarding fluoride's impact on children's IQ levels has raised concerns among many parents. Medical professionals would like to clarify that this research was a meta-analysis compiling data from multiple international studies, which have significantly different contexts from Thailand, especially regarding fluoride levels in water sources. Furthermore, these studies did not consider other factors affecting IQ levels, such as environment, nutrition, and education.
Key differences in Thailand include:
1. No fluoride addition to tap water
2. Low and safe fluoride levels in drinking water
3. Fluoride exposure from toothpaste is topical, unlike consumption through drinking water
Age-specific guidelines for fluoride toothpaste usage:
Children under 3 years:
- Concentration: 1,000 ppm
- Amount: Rice grain-sized portion
- Parents should brush for their children
- Wipe off excess foam
Children 3-6 years:
- Concentration: 1,000 ppm
- Amount: Width of toothbrush
- Train children to spit out foam
Children over 6 years and adults:
- Concentration: 1,500 ppm
- Amount: Length of toothbrush bristles
- Brush for at least 2 minutes
- Spit out foam without rinsing, or rinse only once
Key takeaways:
1. Fluoride toothpaste is safe when used in appropriate amounts and concentrations
2. After brushing, spit out foam without rinsing to maintain fluoride effectiveness
3. Fluoride levels in Thailand's drinking water remain within safe limits
Parents can be confident that using fluoride toothpaste is a safe and effective method for preventing tooth decay in children. Fluoride serves as a valuable ally in maintaining your children's dental health.
This scientific advice aims to reassure parents about the safety and importance of fluoride in dental care while providing practical guidelines for its proper use in different age groups. The evidence-based recommendations take into account Thailand's specific context and focus on maximizing the benefits of fluoride while ensuring safety in its application.
Dentalland Clinic Hatyai : ได้รับการรับรองมาตรฐาน ArokaGO Star 
