When do babies need fluoride

I thought that babies don't need it until their teeth have come in. He said that, since my son doesn't drink tap water, he needs to get fluoride elsewhere. Can't too much fluoride do harm? There is currently a lot of controversy within the medical and dental communities about fluoride supplementation. The standard recommendation for the past five years has been that infants who do not get fluoride from their tap water should be supplemented with fluoride starting at six months of age I don't know why your pediatrician is recommending it now, but four months is too early to start.

As a pediatrician, she tries to work with parents to identify and address their concerns. Keep helping your child brush until at least age five or six. It may be a team effort until then it is at our home! Stickers help! Fluoride toothpaste is recommended for babies and toddlers by the American Academy of Pediatrics , the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry , and the American Dental Association.

For more information, see Toothbrushing Tips for Young Children. Dental fluorosis happens before age 8 and is caused by getting too much fluoride when teeth are forming below the gums and before they appear in the mouth. It is mostly a cosmetic issue with no negative health effects. It is estimated that less than 1 in 4 people between the ages of have fluorosis, which most often can only be seen by a dental professional.

Talk to your dentist about any questions or concerns you may have and about which dental products are right for your child. According to both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association , it is absolutely safe to mix infant formula with fluoridated water.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Healthy Lifestyle Infant and toddler health. Products and services.

Free E-newsletter Subscribe to Housecall Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Sign up now. Is it safe to mix fluoridated tap water with infant formula? I've heard that too much fluoride can harm a baby's teeth. Answer From Jay L. Page Content. Q: Why do children need fluoride? Q: Is fluoridated water safe for my children?

Q: When should my child start using fluoride toothpaste? Q: What if we live in a community where the water is not fluoridated? What can we do? Q: Should my child get fluoride varnish? Use ready-to-feed formula that does not need water to be added. Q: What is dental fluorosis, and will fluoridated water mixed with infant formula increase the risk?

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician.

There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Follow Us. Back to Top. Oral Health. Emotional Wellness. Growing Healthy.