Community water fluoridation and fluoride toothpaste work together.

Except for the toddler age group, tooth decay rates have continued to decrease for decades. Toddlers have seen a 4% increase in decay in the last national health survey. Fluoride is recognized as one of the major preventive factors. The frequent exposure of teeth to tiny quantities of fluoride is most critical to maximize its protective effects. Fluoride can inhibit the ability of cavity germs to produce acid, make teeth more resistant to the acid produced by the cavity germs, and promote natural healing (remineralizing)  of early enamel cavities. Fluoride in our water in conjunction with fluoride-containing toothpaste can provide that frequent preventive effect throughout the day. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, toddlers should use only the tiniest smear of fluoride toothpaste two times per day. When children can effectively spit, a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste is appropriate. Our pediatric dentists recognize brushing two times per day is more effective than one time per day. Ideally, fluoridated water then fills the voids in the middle of the day.