Fluoride supplements in babies

Fluoride  supplements  should not be given to babies during the first 6 months of life whether they are breastfed or formula fed. This is to reduce your child’s  risk of dental fluorosis . After this time , babies need fluoride supplements  if drinking water contains less than  0.3 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride. Fluoride makes teeth strong and more resistant to tooth decay.

If the water in your home is supplied by its own well, you need to have it tested to determine the amount of natural fluoride in the water. If your  baby drinks bottled water instead of home water, check to see if it is fluorinated.

If you prefer bottled water instead , you may want to consider water marketed for babies with specific amount of fluoride added to it.  It is sometimes known as nursery water and can be found on the baby food aisle in the grocery store. You can use it to mix formula.

Your pediatrician or pediatric  dentist can advise you whether you need  fluoride drops for your baby and prescribe the appropriate dosage. Formula fed babies get fluoride from their formula if the drinking water is fluorinated or if the bottle water or well water contains some fluoride.

You need to check withy our doctor if fluoride supplements  are necessary for your baby.