For how long should a child take fluoride if there is not adequate fluoride in the water?

The experts state that children should take fluoride up to and through age 16. Many parents are not aware of this and think fluoride supplements are only for young children. As long as teeth are growing, fluoride is especially important. Remember, by at 55 in the US 33% of the population will be edentulous (i.e., have no teeth). The prevention of this tragedy begins in childhood. Protect your children with fluoride.

The recommended doses of fluoride for children in places where the water has less than 0.3 ppm of fluoride (i.e., Plumas country) are:

Birth to 6 months: 0

Age 6 months to 3 years: 0.25 mg daily

Age 3 to 6 years: 0.5 mg daily

Age 6 year up to 16 years: 1 mg daily.

If your older child (up through 16) is not taking fluoride, just ask for a prescription the next time you're in.