Gum Health | Sprout

We’ve all faced a confusing array of options in the dental care aisle. In this month’s blog, let’s consider these two cavity-fighting toothpaste options for your kiddos and determine which might be the optimal choice for their oral health.

Fluoridated toothpaste: The trusted guardian

Cavity protection:

Fluoride toothpaste is the gold standard for toothpaste. It has a known efficacy in guarding against cavities. How does it achieve this though? Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that acts as a protective barrier for teeth, strengthening enamel against acid erosion caused by bacteria.

Enamel restoration:

Beyond protection, fluoride plays a pivotal role in enamel repair by fostering remineralization. It replenishes minerals in weakened enamel, effectively addressing the early stages of tooth decay.

Established reputation:

Fluoridated toothpaste has been around for a while since it has been proven to be a reliable partner in keeping teeth healthy. Its widespread endorsement by dentists has solidified its reputation as the recommended treatment.

Hydroxyapatite toothpaste: The natural caretaker

Derived from nature:

Synthetic hydroxyapatite, which is a crucial part of dental enamel, is incorporated into toothpaste recipes. The qualities of the actual mineral are mimicked by this biomimetic material.

Enamel nurturing:

Think of toothpaste with hydroxyapatite as a caring partner for enamel. Enamel is strengthened and repaired in an effort to smooth out flaws and maybe reduce tooth sensitivity, helping to rejuvenate your teeth.

Fluoride-free alternative:

A desirable substitute that offers freedom from fluoride while preserving dental health is hydroxyapatite toothpaste, which appeals to people looking for fluoride-free options or who are worried about consuming fluoride.

Comparative review:

Cavity prevention: While toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite is good at repairing enamel, it is still relatively new in the field of cavity prevention. Fluoride toothpaste has a strong track record in this regard.

Enamel strengthening:

Both versions seek to support the health of the enamel, but they do so in different ways. While toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite adds synthetic hydroxyapatite to strengthen enamel, fluoride toothpaste uses fluoride for remineralization.

Fluoride consideration:

An important differentiation can be made between fluoride and fluoride-free options. For individuals who are hesitant about consuming fluoride, hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a viable option, even though fluoride toothpaste is supported by substantial research.
Personal preference:

The best toothpaste to use ultimately depends on a person’s unique must haves, including sensitivity, requirements for maintaining good dental health, and personal preferences such as taste, or natural ingredients.
Balancing fluoride in your routine:

One last thing before we go…

Fluoride is a mineral found in toothpaste that acts as a kind of cavity defender. It is wise to evaluate your intake of fluoride, particularly shedding light on non-fluoridated communities along the South Shore such as Braintree. It is also important to consider your child’s daily fluoride intake and the sources of fluoride. Are they getting an adequate daily supply of fluoride from tap water, toothpaste, mouth rinses, and diet?

The CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride tool provides information about the fluoride level in your water. It’s critical to keep your child’s fluoride consumption balanced. Dr. Anderson and her Sprout Kids Dentistry Team follow the guidelines outlined in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Policy on Use of Fluoride. Dr. Anderson’s preferred toothpaste selections for every need

Trusted Household Choice: Opt for the reliability of Crest, Colgate, or Tom’s of Maine for consistent dental care.
Hydroxyapatite Enriched: Experience advanced enamel repair with Risewell, a leader in hydroxyapatite technology.
Focus on Pure Ingredients: Choose Twice for a toothpaste that emphasizes clean, health-conscious ingredients.
Flavorful Dental Experience: Try the unique and enjoyable flavors of Tom’s of Maine, making brushing a treat.
Comfort for Sensitive Teeth: Trust Sensodyne for gentle and effective care in managing tooth sensitivity.

Whether you prefer the all-natural benefits of hydroxyapatite or the tried-and-true effectiveness of fluoride, the end result is always the same: maintaining the integrity and brightness of your child’s teeth.

Schedule Your Appointment

Remember, your child’s smile is our success! Feel free to reach out to us with any queries or for further information. All of us at Sprout Kids Dentistry look forward to maintaining the oral health of our little ones in Quincy, MA. Fill out an online contact form to schedule an appointment today.

Back to Blogs

Why are the Gums Important?

Your gums are the soft tissues in the mouth that hold your teeth in place your entire life. In addition, they protect the highly sensitive bundles of nerves at the roots of the teeth and seal off that area from disease and decay-causing bacteria that can infect it. Both your gums and your (adult) teeth are nearly permanent fixtures in your body, meaning they don’t regenerate like a fractured bone might over time. That’s why it’s important to keep your gums healthy, because it helps preserve this important tissue for longer.

Good Gum Health Practices

Despite our best efforts, nearly half of adult Americans have some degree of gingivitis or gum disease. This is the early stage of gum decay that can lead to symptoms like sensitive teeth, bleeding gums, and bad breath due to the buildup of bacteria. Helping your young ones develop healthy gum habits now can help protect them from the development of gum disease and periodontal disease in the future. The main thing you can do as a parent to encourage good gum health is to schedule routine dental visits for your children. This is because, no matter how good your toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, or flossing habits are, inevitably bacteria will find its way into the little nooks and crannies that you miss.

This can become tartar that can’t be removed without the help of your dentist or hygienist. Another habit to pick up at an early age is a gentle technique to clean the gum line without irritating it. The gums are sensitive themselves, so scrubbing them to try to remove plaque buildup may end up doing more harm than good.

Signs of Gum Disease

As a parent, you’re always paying attention to your kids’ hygiene and health, so you’re often one of the first people to pick up on symptoms when something seems off. If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, regardless of when your last appointment was, it might be a good idea to schedule another exam to see if there’s anything to worry about.

Pediatric Gum Care in Quincy, MA

Our pediatric dental office keeps kids’ experiences at the forefront of everything we do, from regular cleanings to more substantial procedures. We help your kids feel relaxed and safe as we use age appropriate language to educate them on their oral health. To learn more about what to expect from your first visit, or how we can make this experience as smooth as possible, browse our website or give our office a call today. We can’t wait to see your loved ones at Sprout.