A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.
Fluoride and Children
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. It can be put on the teeth, found in the water supply, or taken as a supplement (called systemic fluoride). It strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the harmful effects of plaque. Fluoride also makes the whole tooth more resistant to decay. And it helps with remineralization, which helps repair early decay.
Where is fluoride found?
The most common sources of fluoride are tap water and toothpaste.
|
Type
|
Source
|
|
Topical fluoride
|
-
Sources are products with mild (available over the counter) or strong (by prescription) concentration of fluoride. Examples are toothpaste and mouth rinse.
-
When your child's first tooth appears, start brushing their teeth twice daily using a very small amount of fluoride toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.
-
At about age 3, use no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
-
Mouth rinse should not be used in children under 6 years old.
-
Fluoride varnish, gel, or foam may be put on the teeth by a dentist, other dental health care professional, or a doctor.
|
|
Systemic fluoride
|
-
Sources include:
-
Public and private water supplies.
-
Prescription supplements.
-
Teas, soft drinks, and some bottled water.
Once ingested, systemic fluoride is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. It's then spread all over the body in the blood supply. It returns to the mouth in the saliva to continually bathe the teeth in fluoride.
|
Who should get extra fluoride?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years have some form of fluoride every day.
Your child's main source of fluoride may be from drinking water. It may have healthy levels of fluoride that your child needs. If your child's main source of tap water is not fluoridated, your child's doctor or dentist may prescribe fluoride supplements. These come either as drops or tablets that are taken by mouth. The amount of fluoride that is prescribed is based on the child's age and amount of fluoride in the drinking water. Your child's dentist may also advise and apply fluoride gel, varnish, or foam if your child is at risk for tooth decay.
If your child mainly drinks bottled water, talk with your child's doctor or dentist about using a product that contains fluoride. Most children still get enough fluoride from brushing and from eating food prepared with tap water.
What are the health risks of fluoride use?
In general, fluoride is safe. Health risks of fluoride use are usually limited to misuse and to getting too much fluoride. To prevent these risks:
-
Don't swallow toothpaste or other dental hygiene products.
-
Keep toothpaste out of young children's reach. Make sure you help your child with brushing their teeth until they are 7 to 8 years old.
-
Contact the local water department or the health department to find out the fluoride level in your local drinking water.
Children about age 8 or younger are at risk of dental fluorosis. It is caused by taking in too much fluoride over a long period when teeth are forming under the gums. Fluorosis changes the appearance of tooth enamel and only occurs in developing teeth. It does not occur in teeth that have already come in. Talk to your child's doctor or dentist if you notice changes in the appearance of the tooth enamel, such as white spots.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Michael Kapner MD
Date Last Reviewed:
9/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.