
These children should have an alternative source of drinking water that contains fluoride at the recommended level.Ĭounsel parents and caregivers regarding use of fluoride toothpaste by young children In some regions of the United States, public water systems and private wells contain a natural fluoride concentration of more than 2 mg/L at this concentration, children 8 years and younger have a greater chance for developing dental fluorosis, including the moderate and severe forms. Use an alternative source of water for children aged 8 years and younger if your primary drinking water contains greater than 2 mg/L of fluoride. See Children’s Oral Health for further guidance. Until about age 6, children have poor control of their swallowing reflex and frequently swallow most of the toothpaste placed on their brush. If you are on a public water system, you can call the water utility company and request a copy of the utility’s most recent Consumer Confidence Report.įor children younger than 2, consult first with your doctor or dentist regarding the use of fluoride toothpaste. You should clean your child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears by brushing without toothpaste with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and plain water.įor children aged 2 to 6 years, apply no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to the brush and supervise their tooth brushing, encouraging the child to spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it.

If you live in a state that participates in CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride, you can find out your water system’s fluoridation status online.

Fluoride tablets or drops should not be used at all if your drinking water has the recommended fluoride concentration of 0.7 mg/L or higher. This information should help with decisions about using other fluoride products, particularly fluoride tablets or drops that your physician or dentist may prescribe for your young child. You should know the fluoride concentration in your primary source of drinking water, especially if you have young children. Know the fluoride concentration of your drinking water
