A Quick Guide for Giving Fluoride to Your Child

Every parent wants their child to be healthy. There are so many things that go into being healthy though. Diet, physical activity, sleep, and hydration are just a few of the many things that parents need to keep on top of for their children until they learn how to handle these aspects of health themselves. Oral care is another, which includes making sure your child has an appropriate fluoride intake.

Fluoride and Fluoridated Water

It’s possible that your child is already getting the fluoride they need from the tap water they’re drinking. Some cities fluoridate their water supply, in which case there may not be a need to work additional fluoride into their diet. Community fluoridated water is safe and has been shown to reduce tooth decay by a significant amount. If the water you drink isn’t fluoridated, talk to your child’s doctor or dentist. He or she may prescribe a fluoride supplement or special fluoridated toothpaste for them to use.

Different Fluoride Supplements

If your child is prescribed a fluoride supplement, there are a few different options available. Fluoride supplements can come in the form of a small chewable tablet or in liquid form. Different liquid fluoride prescriptions may contain other vitamins and minerals too, such as vitamin A, vitamin D, or iron. Younger children may do better with the liquid fluoride, since it can be hard to chew the tablet if they don’t have many teeth yet. Be sure to measure it out carefully using the dropper that came with it.

Fluoride and Food

Sometimes different foods impact the absorption of various nutrients. Dairy products are one food group that can interfere with the absorption of fluoride. This is because they tend to be high in calcium. Avoid giving them to your child within an hour of taking fluoride, as well as calcium-fortified juice. Aluminum and magnesium are two other examples of minerals that can impact the absorption of fluoride. Ask a doctor, dentist, or pharmacist if you have questions about things you should avoid giving your child in conjunction with their fluoride.

Fluoride helps keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong. It’s especially important for the strength of your enamel and cavity prevention. Consuming either too much or too little can be a problem though, so it’s important to make sure that your child is getting the right amount. Be sure to ask a pediatric dentist if you have questions about fluoride for your child.

Regular dentist appointments are another essential part of your child’s oral health. See what we do during appointments to promote healthy teeth here.