Your Children’s Teeth DO Need Fluoride

What this episode covers

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ7fZt_leLr/Once again, a professional association is spreading the truth in order that the American public not be confused or gaslit by information from government sources. The FDA is suddenly recommending that ingestible fluoride products not be given to children under age three—or to any child at low or moderate risk for tooth decay. The American Dental Association, ADA for short, disagrees and states that fluoride tablets and drops remain safe and effective for children whose drinking water lacks fluoride. Fluoride has long been shown to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities, particularly in communities without fluoridated water. The first step is to determine the fluoride content in your child’s drinking water whether it comes from a city or town water system or a home well. You and your dentist can obtain that information directly from your local water authority and/or online.  Here, for example, is a section of the published levels for Massachusetts’ cities and towns.  You can also test your water yourself.  Then, depending on that level, you working with your child’s dentist, can determine need for fluoride supplementation and its dose.For your reference, here are the American Dental Association’s guidelines for fluoride supplements by age: Birth–6 months: No fluoride supplements recommended (minimal risk of deficiency at this age). 6 months–3 years: If the water has <0.3 ppm fluoride, 0.25 mg fluoride per day typically as liquid drops for infants. No supplement is needed if water fluoride ≥0.3 ppm. 3–6 years: If water fluoride is <0.3 ppm, give 0.50 mg/day; if water fluoride is moderate (0.3–0.6 ppm), give 0.25 mg/day. No supplement is needed if water fluoride ≥0.6 ppm. 6–16 years: If water fluoride is <0.3 ppm, give 1.0 mg/day; if water is 0.3–0.6 ppm, give 0.50 mg/day. No supplement is needed if water fluoride ≥0.6 ppm.Oral fluoride supplements are safe medications that any dentist can prescribe if your water lacks sufficient levels of fluoride.  Discuss this issue with the your child’s dentist and pediatrician today.One more thing. One common, circulating conspiracy theory is that dentists recommend treatments just to pad their own pockets.  The fact is that, in recommending fluoride, dentists are preventing you and your children from spending thousands for restorative dental procedures.https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/fluoride-supplements-for-children-3-and-younger#fluoride #drinkingwater #decay #cavities #children

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