Fluoride

Does your child need fluoride supplementation?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends fluoride supplementation for children 6 months old to 16 years old whose intake of fluoride is inadequate. Your child may be at risk if:

• Your child is exclusively breastfeeding
• Your child's only source of water is well water or spring water
• Your child only receives bottled water (unless the bottled water is supplemented with fluoride - this can be found on the label)

It is important to realize that "city water" (i.e. you receive a bill for the water) in our community contains adequate fluoride.  Typical filters in the refrigerator do not remove fluoride from the water.

As fluoride supplementation requires a prescription, talk to your practitioner if you think your child may be at risk for inadequate fluoride intake or if you have other questions or concerns.