Family Dentist : Foothill Ranch, CA : Cosmetic Dentistry

Fluoride and Baby Formula

Written by Vu Le, DDS

Municipal Water District (MWD) of Southern California recently began fluoridating the drinking water. Some parents (and grandparents) have asked about using fluoridated tap water for baby formula. Here's our recommendations.

Fluoride can be very beneficial for small children with developing teeth. If fluoride is ingested in small, appropriate amounts, it is incorporated into the enamel as it forms, creating stronger, more cavity resistant teeth. There is a small risk of fluorosis; a whitish-yellow mottling of the teeth caused by excess fluoride intake while the teeth are forming. This risk is increased when you combine supplemental fluoride with municipal fluoride. One or the other is usually safe, but both may be too much fluoride. To reduce that risk, we recommend the following for your children under 3:

1. Avoid fluoride supplements such as tabs, and liquids
2. Use a fluoride-free toothpaste until the age of 3

It is safe to mix your baby's infant formula with fluoridated municipal tap water, provided that it is the only source of fluoride for your baby. If your family has a history of fluorosis, (ie, the teeth are highly susceptible to even low amounts) you can optionally mix your baby formula with bottled water, which contains little or no fluoride.

For adults and children over the age of 3, you can drink municipal tap water and use topical fluoride--toothpastes and mouthrinses, which are not swallowed, are still safe to use as directed.

Recommended reading:

ADA News release:
http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanewsarticle.asp?articleid=2810

Fluoride notification letter from the CDA:
http://www.cda.org/library/pdfs/fluoridation_notification.pdf
This notice specifically advises dentists and physicians not to prescribe orally ingested fluoride supplements to patients of any age. Fluoridated toothpastes and mouthrinses, which are not swallowed, are still safe to use as directed.

From the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's FAQ :
Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use?
Fluoridated toothpaste should be introduced when a child is 2-3 years of age. Prior to that, parents should clean the child's teeth with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. When toothpaste is used after age 2-3, parents should supervise brushing and make sure the child uses no more than a pea-sized amount on the brush. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.
More:Enamel Fluorosis