Fluoride in Children

Fluoride plays an essential role in dental health. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by stopping the acid from bacteria to erode enamel and by strengthening the enamel. It can also assist in reversing early tooth decay by remineralization. Since the addition of fluoride in the water system, tooth decay has been reduced by about 30%. Unfortunately, over 25% of toddlers still present with one or more cavities.

Water fluoridation became national policy in 1951. About 60% of the United States population receives fluoridated water. If you are unsure about your town's water system, contact the local health department. Below is the dosing for fluoride depending on the fluoridation of the town water.

Dosing Schedule for Children for Dental Caries prevention
Ages 3 months to 3 years old
1.Local Water Fluoride <0.3 ppm: Fluoride 0.25 mg daily
2.Local Water Fluoride 0.3-0.7 ppm: No Fluoride Supplement Necessary
3.Local Water Fluoride >0.7 ppm: No Fluoride Supplement Necessary

Ages 3 to 6 years old
1.Local Water Fluoride <0.3 ppm: Fluoride 0.50 mg daily
2.Local Water Fluoride 0.3-0.7 ppm: Fluoride 0.25 mg daily
3.Local Water Fluoride >0.7 ppm: No Fluoride Supplement Necessary

Ages 6 to 16 years old
1.Local Water Fluoride <0.3 ppm: Fluoride 1.00 mg daily
2.Local Water Fluoride 0.3-0.7 ppm: Fluoride 0.50 mg daily
3.Local Water Fluoride >0.7 ppm: No Fluoride Supplement Necessary

Fluoride supplements are typically prescribed. It comes in liquid and chewable tablet forms and may be combined with a multi-vitamin. Supplementation may begin at six months of age. As children get older, fluoride toothpastes are used to prevent tooth decay.

Children two years of age and younger should not use fluoride toothpaste but instead use a training toothpaste like Orajel Toddler. Children over two years of age should use an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste but with assistance from a parent. Kids should be taught not to swallow and use a "pea-size" amount. Also, children under six years of age should not use fluoride mouth rinses.

Excessive fluoride intake can cause a condition called enamel fluorosis (discoloration of the permanent teeth). Talk to your health care professional for more information.

Finally, dental visits should begin within six months of the first tooth or at one year of age.

Hope this was informative!