Fluoride from drinking water and other sources such as toothpaste can
strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay. Below is a list
of questions that parents frequently ask about fluoride and how it can
help their children.
Q: Why do children need fluoride?
A: Fluoride is an important mineral for all
children. Bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars and produce acid
that can harm tooth enamel and damage teeth. Fluoride protects teeth
from acid damage and helps reverse early signs of decay. Make sure your
children are drinking plenty of water and brushing with toothpaste that
has fluoride in it.
Q: Is fluoridated water safe for my children?
A: Yes. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP),
along with the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), agree that water fluoridation is a
safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay.
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Q: Should I mix infant formula with fluoridated water?
A: According to the ADA, it is safe to use
fluoridated water to mix infant formula. The risk if mixing infant
formula with fluoridated water is mild fluorosis (see below for more
information on this condition). However, if you have concerns about
this, talk with your pediatrician or dentist.
Q: What if I prefer not to use fluoridated water for infant formula?
A: If you prefer not to use fluoridated water with formula, you can:
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- Breastfeed your baby.
- Use bottled or purified water that has no fluoride with the formula.
- Use ready-to-feed formula that does not need water to be added.
Q: What if we live in a community where the water is not fluoridated? What can we do?
A: Check with your local water utility agency to
find out if your water has fluoride in it. If it doesn’t, ask your
pediatrician or dentist if your child is at HIGH risk for dental caries
(also known as tooth decay or a cavity). He or she may recommend you buy
fluoridated water or give you a prescription for fluoride drops or
tablets for your child.
Q: How else can my child get fluoride?
A: There are many sources of fluoride. Fluoridated
water and toothpaste are the most common. It is also found in many foods
and beverages. So making sure your child eats a balanced diet with
plenty of calcium and vitamin D is a great way to keep teeth healthy.
Your dentist or pediatrician may also recommend a topical fluoride
treatment during well child or dental visits at various stages of your
child’s development.
Q: When should my child start using fluoride toothpaste?
A: The AAP and the ADA recommend using a “smear” of
toothpaste on children once the first tooth appears and until your child
is 3. Once your child has turned 3, a pea-sized amount can be used.
Q: What is dental fluorosis and will fluoridated water mixed with infant formula increase the risk?
A: Although using fluoridated water to prepare infant formula might increase the risk of dental fluorosis, most cases are mild.
Fluorosis usually appears as very faint white streaks on the teeth.
Often it is only noticeable by a dental expert during an exam. Mild
fluorosis is not painful and does not affect the function or health of
the teeth.
Once your child’s adult teeth come in (usually around age 8), the risk of developing fluorosis is over.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2014)
