Kids, Use Fluoride with Care

The fluoridation of public water supplies has played a major role in reducing U.S. tooth decay. But for children—particularly infants—too much fluoride can be too much of a good thing.¹

Too much fluoride during the formation of teeth inside the gums can cause enamel fluorosis, a cosmetic condition resulting in visible white lines or stripes on the teeth. It doesn’t affect the structure or overall health of the teeth, but it can be a cosmetic concern.¹

To prevent enamel fluorosis, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you consider:

• Breast-feeding

• Using ready-to-feed formula rather than formula mixed with water containing fluoride

• Using powdered or liquid concentrate infant formula that can be mixed with water that contains little or no fluoride. Examples include water labeled purified, demineralized, deionized, distilled, or reverse osmosis–filtered.¹

Once your child’s teeth emerge from the gums, there is no danger of fluorosis.² However, the last of your child’s permanent teeth might not emerge until about age 12.³ That’s why the ADA has additional recommendations for the use of dental products containing fluoride.^1,2

For children younger than age 2:

• After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums.Begin brushing your child’s teeth with a child-sized toothbrush when your child’s first tooth erupts.Clean and message gums in areas that remain toothless. Do not use fluoride toothpaste until your child is age 2 unless you are advised to do so by a dentist or another health professional.²

For kids ages 2 through 5:

• Place only a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste on your child’s toothbrush.

• Supervise your child while he or she brush his or her teeth. Make sure your child spits out, rather than swallows, the toothpaste.

• Avoid fluoride mouth rinse unless recommended by your child's dentist. Many kids younger than age 6 have not fully developed their swallowing reflex and may accidentally swallow the rinse.^1,2

¹ “Interim Guidance on Fluoride Intake for Infants and Young Children.” American Dental Association, November 8, 2006. www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/fluoride_infants.asp Accessed 2008.

² “Fluoride & Infant Formula: Frequently Asked Questions.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/infantsformula_faq.asp Accessed 2008.

³ “Tooth Eruption: The Permanent Teeth.” Journal of the American Dental Association. January 2006, vol. 137, p. 127.