Times Of India - Fluoride
Toothpaste Harmful For Children
Times News Network
9-2-2

NEW DELHI - If your toddler chews on the
toothbrush, licks and swallows toothpaste, make sure
it is non-fluoridated. Fluoride ingested by
children less than four years old can be harmful.

Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC)
dentist Dr Pankaj Goel told The Times of India, "Parents
are not aware about the difference between
fluoridated and non-fluoridated toothpaste. In fact,
fluoride paste manufacturers often print on the
packages that it may not be suitable for children
below four."

Goel said, fluoride toothpaste when
swallowed regularly and in considerable quantities may
cause fluorosis in children. "This disease is
caused by excess fluoride and effects the bones and
teeth. In fact, we get to see quite a few people
with stains on their teeth caused by excess
fluoride," he said.

Fluorosis makes bones brittle and
hampers the growth of a child. The bones may become crooked
as well. "When a child learns to spit out the
toothpaste, he or she can easily switch to a fluoride
paste," said Dr Goel.

Max Health Care orthodontist Dr Ajay Raj
Bhagat said this quantity was very small and there
was practically no research evidence to show
that ingested fluoride toothpaste had caused fluorosis.
"Yet, I seldom recommend a fluoride toothpaste
for children below four."

MAMC dental college principal Dr Mahesh
Verma said, ëëOur medical literature says fluoride
toothpaste must not be given to a child below
five years.íí

He said, "But throughout my experience I
am yet to come across a child who may have been
harmed due to such toothpastes. It is precaution
that can be followed. But people should also know
that if a child does manage to swallow, no harm
will be caused."


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow.asp?art_id=20897985