Why shouldn't 2-year-old children receive fluoride application?

Children under 2 years old are generally not recommended for fluoride application, usually due to their inability to cooperate and the incomplete eruption of teeth in the mouth.

Fluoride is an organic compound beneficial for tooth development and bone growth. When applied to the teeth, it converts hydroxyapatite on the tooth surface into fluorapatite, which is more resistant to dissolution. This helps increase the acid resistance of enamel and strengthens teeth against cavities, thereby reducing the risk of tooth decay. However, fluoride treatment is typically not advised for 2-year-old children mainly because they often lack cooperation. If a child cannot remain still during the procedure, there's a risk of accidentally swallowing fluoride. Additionally, at age 2, a child’s teeth may not have fully erupted yet. It is therefore advisable to wait until around age 2 or later, when most primary teeth have come in, before applying fluoride, to minimize repeated dental procedures.

Although fluoride application helps protect teeth, individuals should still maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth morning and night and rinsing after meals. This helps prevent poor oral conditions, bacterial overgrowth, and subsequent oral diseases that could affect daily life.