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