Dietary Fluoride Supplementation
Guidelines
- Prescribe dietary fluoride supplements to all children who lack access to optimally fluoridated water, not based on risk assessment.
- Determine your patient's source of water and the fluoride content before administering fluoride supplements.
- Test well water before prescribing systemic fluoride.
Dietary Fluoride Supplementation for Children
Dietary fluoride supplementation by prescription for children at high caries risk who do not have access to optimally fluoridated water is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In 2014, the USPSTF recommended primary care clinicians prescribe oral fluoride supplementation starting at age 6 months for children whose water supply is deficient in fluoride, not based on risk assessment. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends fluoride supplements age 6 months to 16 years of age for children whose water supply is deficient in fluoride, not based on risk assessment.
Concerns regarding fluoride use still exist. To help navigate the science, use credible evidence-based resources such as scientific journals or the website. The ilikemyteeth.org website provides a quick primer that reviews both sides of the fluoride discussion.
References
Rozier RG, Steven Adair S, Graham S, Lafolla T. et al. Evidence-Based Clinical Recommendations on the Prescription of Dietary Fluoride Supplements for Caries Prevention. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2010; 141 (12): 1480-1489.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Prevention of Dental Caries in Children Younger Than 5 Years: Screening and Interventions. December 07, 2021.
Clark MB, Keels MA, Slayton RL. SECTION ON ORAL HEALTH. Fluoride Use in Caries Prevention in the Primary Care Setting. Pediatrics. 2020; 146 (6): e2020034637.