Should my child take a fluoride supplement?
This question does not have a clear-cut answer.
Fluoride in small quantities helps to strengthen teeth. Too much fluoride prior to age 6 can sometimes cause mottling (fluorosis) of developing permanent teeth. Like many things (such as iron, calcium, oxygen, and water) the right quantity can be helpful, but large quantities can be harmful. The key is finding the correct balance for your child given their age, dietary habits, and oral hygiene habits.
While we have no fluoride in our water in Suffolk County, we realize that our children are ingesting fluoride from many other sources. Dr. Schneider will help you formulate the correct fluoride usage schedule for your child based on their individual needs.