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FIGHTING CAVITIES WITH FLUORIDE
Fluoride helps the acid attack produced by bacteria in plaque on your teeth. Who can benefit from fluoride?
- Infants and children with developing teeth- fluoride is carried beneath the gums to developing teeth
- Children and adults whose teeth have erupted
The amount of fluoride needs to be just right. Too little can increase the risk of cavities, but too much can cause fluorosis white spots on teeth. Here are some things you can do to make sure kids get the right amount of fluoride:
- Watch how much toothpaste kids use. Children younger than 3 should use no more than a smear of toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Anyone older should use a pea-sized amount;
- Do not allow children younger than 6 years old to use fluoridated mouthrinses, unless prescribed by your dentist;
- Spit out toothpastes and rinses;
- Use fluoride supplements as directed by your dentist.
Where to get fluoride? The best sources of fluoride are fluoridated water, fluoride toothpastes and mouthrinses, and fluoride treatments from your dentist.
Fluoridated water
Most communities in CT add fluoride to the water to help prevent cavities. The ideal fluoride level is .7 milligrams of fluoride per liter of water (0.7 mg/L). About 75% of people in the US have fluoridated community water. If you have a well you can have it tested for fluoride or add fluoride supplements. Talk to your dentist about how much should be added.
​Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Talk to us about the fluoride needs of your child.
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Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD
Adam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.