| Focus
on Fluoride
Children
who receive a balanced diet will get all the nutrients
they need with one possible exception-fluoride. Fluoride
is vital for strong, decay resistant teeth. Fluoride is
one of the most effective elements for preventing tooth
decay. This mineral combines with tooth enamel to strengthen
it against decay. Fluoride may reverse microscopic cavities
by enhancing the process in which minerals, including
calcium, are incorporated into the teeth.
The
most effective way for your child to get fluoride's protection
is by drinking water containing the right amount of mineral,
(about one part fluoride per million parts water). This
is of special benefit to children, because fluoride is
built into the enamel as teeth form. Children who from
birth drink water containing fluoride have up to 50 percent
fewer cavities. Many of them remain cavity free through
their teens.
Although
it is beneficial for a child to brush with a fluoride
toothpaste, children under age six should be supervised
to avoid swallowing toothpaste. Use no more than a pea-sized
amount of toothpaste and rinse with water after brushing.
Before
you give your child any vitamin or supplement that contains
fluoride, check with your dentist to see if one is needed.
Based on your dentist's assessment of your family's oral
health, the use of additional fluoride-containing products
may or may not be recommended.
Systemically
Administered Fluoride Supplements
Fluoride
supplements should be considered for children drinking
fluoride-deficient water. Before supplements are prescribed,
it is essential to know the fluoride concentration of
the patient's drinking water. This can be achieved through
a laboratory water analysis. In addition, it is also important
to evaluate other sources of consumed fluoride (food and
beverages) and where fluoride has been removed from the
patient's diet (bottled water, in-house filtration systems).
The child's predominant source of water should be optimally
fluoridated or a supplement should be prescribed.
The
caries-preventative effects of prenatal fluoride supplements
on primary teeth are unproven and their use is not supported
by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
To
obtain both topical and systemic effects, fluoride supplements
should contact the teeth prior to being swallowed. For
liquid preparation, place the drops directly on the child's
teeth. Older children should be encouraged to chew and
swish their fluoride tablets prior to swallowing.
| Dietary
Fluoride Supplementation Schedule |
| Age
of Child |
Less
than
0.3ppm F |
0.3/n0.6
ppm F |
More
Than 0.6
ppm F |
Birth to
6 months |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 Months to 3 years |
0.25
mg
Liquid drops |
0 |
0 |
3 to 6 Years |
0.5
mg drops
or tablets |
0.25
mg |
0 |
6 to 16 Years |
1.00
mg |
0.5
mg |
0 |
|
Please Note: The
safety and effectiveness of fluoride is supported by professional
associations and research. Like many other nutrients,
fluoride is beneficial in small amounts and toxic in large
doses. When prescribing fluoride supplements no more than
264 mg of sodium fluoride (125 mg fluoride) should be
dispensed at one time. In addition to the use of childproof
containers, each package dispensed should say "Store
out of reach of children."
|
