Facts about fluoride supplements

• The systemic ingestion of fluoride supplemental vitamins should begin at six months of age and continue daily, until a child reaches 16 years of age, for children living in non-fluoridated communities.
  
  
• Children living in fluoridated communities should NOT ingest fluoride supplemental vitamins.
  
  
• Fluoride supplemental vitamins are available in two forms: drops for infants ages six months and older; and chewable tablets for children and adolescents.
  
  
• Fluoride supplemental tablets should first be chewed and then swished in the mouth for 30-60 seconds before swallowing.
  
  
• Fluoride supplemental vitamins are available by prescription only. Parents and caretakers of children should consult their child's pediatrician or dentist regarding the need for fluoride vitamins.
  
  
• Children's dietary intake of fluoride is based upon his/her age and weight. The appropriate daily fluoride supplementation for a child is contingent upon the existing fluoride level in the child's drinking water. In 1994, the American Dental Association's Council on Scientific Affairs established new guidelines for daily fluoride supplementation. Pediatricians and dentists follow these guidelines when prescribing supplemental fluoride tablets.
  
  
• Topical fluoride applications in the form of gels and rinses provide added protection against tooth decay. These topical applications can be administered in combination with a daily supplemental fluoride tablets for children at risk for dental caries.

Source: ADA booklet: Fluoridation Facts

For more information on the safety and effectiveness of fluoride visit our website
http://www.fluoridefacts.org

or the website of the ADA
http://www.ada.org/public/topics/fluoride/facts/index.asp

Dietary Reference Intakes for Fluoride
Food and Nutritional Board of the Institute of Medicine 1997

How much fluoride should an individual consume each day to reduce the occurrence of dental decay?

Answer: The appropriate amount of daily fluoride intake varies with age and body weight. As with other nutrients, fluoride is safe and effective when used and consumed properly.

In 1997, the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine developed a comprehensive set of reference values for dietary nutrient intakes. These new reference values, the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI), replace the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Along with calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin D, DRIs for fluoride were established because of its proven effect on tooth decay.

The first DRI reference value is the Adequate Intake (AI), which establishes a goal for intake to sustain a desired indicator of health without causing side effects. In the case of fluoride (from all sources), the AI is the daily intake level required to reduce tooth decay without causing moderate dental fluorosis. The AI for fluoride is set at 0.05 mg/kg/day.

The DRIs also establish a maximum-level guideline called tolerable upper intake levels (UL). The UL is higher than the AI and is not the recommended level of intake. The UL is the estimated maximum intake level that should not produce unwanted effects on health. The UL for fluoride from all sources is set at 0.10 mg/kg/day for infants through 8 years of age. Over that it is set at 10 mg/day regardless of weight.

Source: ADA booklet: Fluoridation Facts

Community Water Fluoridation:
The best choice!

"Fluoridation is the single most important commitment that a community can make to the oral health of its citizens."

- C. Everett Koop, MD, Former US Surgeon General

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognized community water fluoridation as one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th Century!

However, if your community cannot offer fluoridated water because it does not have a public water supply, then your child should receive fluoride supplements.

FLUORIDE IS:

SAFE

EFFECTIVE

ECONOMICAL

Fluoride Supplements

According to the American Dental Association:

"For children who do not live in fluoridated communities, dietary fluoride supplements are an effective alternative to water fluoridation for the prevention of tooth decay."

The Massachusetts Coalition
For Oral Health

465 Medford Street
Boston, MA 02129
Phone: 1-800-451-1249/Fax: 617-886-1650
www.fluoridefacts.org

Fluoride Supplements (PDF)

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