Ok, I know that the fluoride debate is pretty up in the air but I cam across this article on Science Daily today and thought I would share it for any parents out there, or just to generate some interesting debate.
http://www.scienceda...00120085354.htm
Firstly the article comes off saying this:
Parents should use toothpastes that contain fluoride with a minimum concentration of 1,000 parts per million to prevent tooth decay in their children, says a new report.
and this
Researchers for the Cochrane Oral Health Group, based at the School of Dentistry, The University of Manchester, have previously shown that fluoride toothpastes reduce dental decay by 24% on average compared to non-fluoride products.
but then they say this:
But the authors, in a second related study, suggest that parents concerned about the risk of fluorosis -- the discolouration or mottling of the teeth caused by excessive fluoride ingestion -- should consult their dentist to discuss the benefits and risks.
and this:
The report suggests that brushing a child's teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride before the age of 12 months may be associated with an increased risk of developing mild fluorosis.
So does this article really conclusively say anything? IMO it seems it does a pretty good job of fence sitting.
I guess one thing that it does point out is that if your child is using a toothpaste that has fluoride levels of less than 1k ppm they might as well not use it at all as the benefits are negligible at those levels.