How to Prevent Fluorosis in Children

Fluorosis is a staining or spotting on the enamel of the teeth caused by an overexposure to fluoride. Children are susceptable to this condition during the years when their adult teeth are developing. Fluoride can be found in many sources, some obvious and others surprising. Toothpaste, bottled water, tap water, and even juice and soda have been shown to contain fluoride in varying amounts.

Things You'll Need

• Training toothpaste (without fluoride)
• Water test
• Non-fluoridated water for mixing baby formula

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Instructions

• 1

  Infants do not need fluoride in large quantities, and it has been recommended that baby formula be mixed with water that does not contain fluoride.

• 2

  Once a child is a toddler, your family dentist will recommend that he/she begins fluoride treatments to prevent cavities. Talk to the dentist to determine what the right dosage of fluoride is for your child. The recommended daily dosage for children 6 years and older should not exceed 1 ppm. For ages 3 to 6, the amount per day should be no more than 0.5 ppm. For toddlers younger than 3 but older than 6 months, 0.25 ppm is recommended.

• 3

  Toddlers should use training toothpaste without fluoride until they learn to swish and spit properly. A parent should be present to help a child brush his/her teeth until the age of 9. Model good brushing, rinsing and spitting habits by brushing your own teeth in front of your child.

• 4

  Once a child begins using fluoridated toothpaste, a pea-sized amount is all that is necessary to get the job done.

• 5

  Always check the content listing of any drink to see if fluoride is listed, and in what amounts. High levels of fluoride are present in ground water in the midwestern United States. Juices, sodas, and bottled water from this area may contain high levels of fluoride.

• 6

  Have your water tested, especially if you are an owner of a property containing a well. Once fluoride levels are determined in your tap water, appropriate adjustments can be made in fluoride treatments for your children.