To grow and develop properly it's important for babies to consume adequate amounts of nutrients; fluoride is no exception. Getting adequate amounts of fluoride is important to help form strong bones and teeth, and help reduce tooth decay. Fluoride supplementation typically is not recommended for babies less than 6 months of age, and too much fluoride can also cause problems. According to Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, for babies at least 6 months of age and children, drinking fluoridated tap water can help reduce cavities by 50 to 60 percent.
Sources of Fluoride
Sources of fluoride for infants and children include fluoridated tap water, fluoridated bottled or nursery water, breast milk, ready-to-feed infant formulas, food prepared using fluoridated water, and fluoride supplements in liquid or chewable tablet forms. Pediatricians will typically not recommend fluoride supplementation for infants under 6 months of age; infants older than 6 months will likely receive adequate amounts of fluoride in tap or nursery water. However some pediatricians may recommend additional fluoride drops or tablets depending on each child's situation.
Fluoride Recommendations
Fluoride recommendations for infants vary by age. According to Medline Plus, the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends a fluoride intake of 0.5 mg per day for infants 7 to 12 months old and 0.7 mg per day for children 1 to 3 years of age. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no fluoride supplementation for infants during the first 6 months of life.
Dental Fluorosis
Dental fluorosis may occur when fluoride is ingested in excess. Fluorosis can cause discolored, brown or mottle teeth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, breast milk and ready-to-feed infant formulas contain safe levels of fluoride for infants; however adding fluoridated water to infant formula may put an infant at risk for fluorosi--especially for infants younger than 6 months of age.
Baby Toothpaste
Toothpastes for infants and children are available with or without added fluoride. Since dental fluorosis may occur if too much fluoride is ingested, infants and small children who are not able to spit out the toothpaste should be given fluoride-free toothpaste to clean their teeth. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends supervision of small children who are given fluoridated toothpaste to ensure excessive amounts of fluoride are not swallowed. For babies over 6 months of age, safe amounts of fluoride typically can be ingested by consuming fluoridated tap or nursery water.
Fluoride in Tap Water
Fluoride is present in varying amounts in city water supplies; being familiar with local water supplies is beneficial when drinking or preparing food using tap water. It's important to note that some home water filtration systems can remove significant amounts of fluoride. Fluoride supplementation for babies at least 6 months old is recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians if tap water is less than 0.3 parts per million.
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