Children's Dental Disease Prevention Program
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Tooth decay is an infectious disease that continues to be a significant oral health problem in Santa Barbara County. Because dental decay is so common, it mistakenly tends to be regarded as an inevitable part of life. Practicing good oral hygiene, healthy dietary habits, regular visits to your dentist, application of dental sealants and adequate fluoride intake can significantly reduce the incidence of tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that prevents tooth decay systemically when ingested during tooth development and topically when applied to erupted teeth. Fluoride strengthens the outer layer of your teeth called the enamel. Stronger enamel will mean fewer cavities and healthier teeth.How to Brush
Fluoride supplements are offered to Santa Barbara City and Carpinteria School children through The Children's Dental Disease Prevention Program. The naturally occurring fluoride in our local drinking water in these communities varies between .44-.60 mg per liter, this is below the recommended therapeutic dose of .7-1.2 mg. to prevent tooth decay. The fluoride tablets provided at school contain .25 mg of fluoride.
This low dose given at school is effective in preventing tooth decay, but does not cause fluorosis.
