USA - Fluoride and infants: not a good mix

Fluoride and infants: not a good mix
By LeAnn R. Ralph, Reporter
Published: Monday, April 2, 2007 10:41 AM CDT
The American Dental Association has issued an interim guideline cautioning parents not to mix liquid concentrate or powdered baby formula with water containing fluoride.
Two dentists in the area were unaware of the ADA’s interim guideline.
Of the remaining dental offices that were contacted (nine in all), either the dentists were out of the office for the rest of the day or for the week or did not return the telephone call.
According to the American Dental Association’s Web site, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now allows bottled water manufacturers to claim that fluoride reduces the risk of dental decay but that manufacturers are not allowed to make that claim for bottled water products marketed for use by babies.

In addition, the National Research Council’s (NRC) report on fluoride in drinking water suggests that babies could receive more fluoride than they need through baby formula mixed with water containing fluoride.

Until more research can be conducted, the ADA issued interim guidelines.
Risks and benefits
According to a news release issued by five nongovernmental health organizations, researchers are beginning to gather more evidence that the risks of fluoride outweigh the benefits.
The risks of too much fluoride can include an increased incidence of cancer, osteoporosis, bone fractures and fluorosis (mottling of the teeth), according to the news release.............................