USA - Question and Answer
Routine fluoride supplement is recommended
Question: A report recently said preschoolers are developing more cavities than only a decade ago and part of the problem may be because they are drinking less water and therefore getting less fluoride. We don't have fluoridated water, but I'm reluctant to give my children fluoride supplements. Is using fluoridated toothpaste enough? What options are there?
Answer: While drinking less water may very well be part of the problem, I suspect the larger part is eating too much junk food, candy and soda coupled with ineffective brushing.
The subject of fluoride is an interesting one and increasingly controversial. In the past, everyone agreed fluoride supplementation of drinking water was a great idea and was responsible for a massive reduction in tooth decay in kids.
However, with the arrival of fluoridated toothpaste, which young kids often swallow rather than spit out, and home fluoride rinses with the same problem, the rate of teeth permanently stained by too much fluoride began to rise. As a result, the recommended daily dose of fluoride supplementation was reduced and its use delayed until 6 months of age to account for this type of excess intake. Parents were advised to make sure kids didn't eat toothpaste or swallow the rinses. Non-fluoridated toothpaste for young kids has also become popular.
The American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends routine fluoride supplementation of children without a fluoridated water supply. Dentists, however, seem less inclined to supplement lately. This may be because fluoride works better when it is in direct contact with teeth (such as in rinses) than it works when ingested. Dental application of fluoride is very effective. As it stands now, most pediatricians follow the Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for non-fluoridated water areas. Everyone should know if their own water supply contains fluoride, as, in our area, only a few municipal systems actually add fluoride to their water. Call your water department and find out. If you have well water, you can assume there is not significant fluoride content.
Finally, a word about bottled water with fluoride. I generally think this is a bad idea and can easily result in too much fluoride in the diet of many children.
Dr. Herschel R. Lessin is medical director of the Children's Medical Group, with offices in Poughkeepsie, Hopewell Junction, Hyde Park, Fishkill, Rhinebeck, Modena and Newburgh. Send questions to oncall@childrens medgroup.com or c/o Families, Poughkeepsie Journal, P.O. Box 1231, Poughkeepsie, NY 12602.
Thee is also a follow up comment by the NYSCOF
Question: A report recently said preschoolers are developing more cavities than only a decade ago and part of the problem may be because they are drinking less water and therefore getting less fluoride. We don't have fluoridated water, but I'm reluctant to give my children fluoride supplements. Is using fluoridated toothpaste enough? What options are there?
Answer: While drinking less water may very well be part of the problem, I suspect the larger part is eating too much junk food, candy and soda coupled with ineffective brushing.
The subject of fluoride is an interesting one and increasingly controversial. In the past, everyone agreed fluoride supplementation of drinking water was a great idea and was responsible for a massive reduction in tooth decay in kids.
However, with the arrival of fluoridated toothpaste, which young kids often swallow rather than spit out, and home fluoride rinses with the same problem, the rate of teeth permanently stained by too much fluoride began to rise. As a result, the recommended daily dose of fluoride supplementation was reduced and its use delayed until 6 months of age to account for this type of excess intake. Parents were advised to make sure kids didn't eat toothpaste or swallow the rinses. Non-fluoridated toothpaste for young kids has also become popular.
The American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends routine fluoride supplementation of children without a fluoridated water supply. Dentists, however, seem less inclined to supplement lately. This may be because fluoride works better when it is in direct contact with teeth (such as in rinses) than it works when ingested. Dental application of fluoride is very effective. As it stands now, most pediatricians follow the Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for non-fluoridated water areas. Everyone should know if their own water supply contains fluoride, as, in our area, only a few municipal systems actually add fluoride to their water. Call your water department and find out. If you have well water, you can assume there is not significant fluoride content.
Finally, a word about bottled water with fluoride. I generally think this is a bad idea and can easily result in too much fluoride in the diet of many children.
Dr. Herschel R. Lessin is medical director of the Children's Medical Group, with offices in Poughkeepsie, Hopewell Junction, Hyde Park, Fishkill, Rhinebeck, Modena and Newburgh. Send questions to oncall@childrens medgroup.com or c/o Families, Poughkeepsie Journal, P.O. Box 1231, Poughkeepsie, NY 12602.
Thee is also a follow up comment by the NYSCOF
posted by Bill at
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