Home » Children's Dentistry » Fluoride for Children

Is Fluoride Really
Safe for My Child?

Fluoride has been credited with greatly reducing tooth decay in America's children since it began being incorporated into city water supplies in the 1950s. Over the years, it has been proved by research, time and again, to be completely safe in treated drinking water and toothpastes for most children.

The American Dental Association fully supports fluoridation for cavity prevention and offers specific guidelines for its use in children. By following these guidelines you can protect the health of your child and fight tooth decay at the same time.

Guidelines for fluoride in children

Until your child reaches the age of three, you should avoid giving her fluoridated water whenever possible. If you cannot provide human breast milk, use ready-to-feed formulas and powdered or concentrated formulas mixed with fluoride-free water. Brush teeth using only non-fluoride paste.

At age three, your child can begin drinking tap water and using regular fluoride toothpaste. However, you should supervise brushing sessions and teach her to spit out, rather than swallow. Use only a pea-sized dab of toothpaste at each brushing.

Fluoride-containing mouthwashes should not be used until your child is at least six years old. Some children like to swallow mouthwashes, and such behavior should be discouraged. Monitor your child closely until age six to be sure she is not ingesting more than the recommended amount of fluoride.

On the other hand, if you get your drinking water from a private well, your problem may be altogether different. In such a case, your child may not be getting an adequate amount of fluoride, and supplemental treatments that are in line with ADA guidelines may be recommended.

If you would like more information about fluoride in children, call 936-756-3611 or send us an e-mail. To schedule an appointment, go to Make An Appointment now.

Source: American Dental Association (www.ada.org)