How do I know I am receiving optimum fluoridated water?
Should my kids receive supplements?
What forms of fluoride may be used to prevent dental caries?
- How do I know I am receiving optimum fluoridated water?
Answer: You need to call your water provider and ask the average amount of fluoride in your water system. Also, keep in mind that some types of filter remove the fluoride ion from the water. It is also recommended that one checks with the filter manufacturer to regarding fluoride removal.
- Should my kids receive supplements?
Answer: The U.S. Preventive Task Force recommends that primary care clinicians prescribe oral fluoride supplementation at currently recommended doses to preschool children older than 6 moths if their primary water source is deficient in fluoride. Current dosage recommendations based on he water supply in communities across the county are available online at www.ada.org.
- What forms of fluoride may be used to prevent dental caries?
Answer: Oral fluoride supplementation, available by prescription, is recommended for preschool children with fluoride-deficient water supplies. Professionally applied topical fluoride varnishes are adjuncts to this oral supplementation; these topical varnishes are approved to prevent dental caries in young children. Their advantages over the other topical fluoride agents, such as mouth-rinse and gel, include ease of use, patient acceptance, and reduced potential toxicity.
