Fluoride supplementation should be started at what age when the primary water supply is deficient in fluoride?

Fluoride supplementation should be started at what age when the primary water supply is deficient in fluoride?

• A. At birth
• B. 2 years
• C. 6 months
• D. 5 years

Answer: (C)

Fluoride helps prevent dental caries by strengthening enamel as teeth develop. When the primary water supply is deficient in fluoride, providing fluoride supplementation during early infancy helps protect both the developing primary teeth and the eruption period. The earliest safe time to start is six months of age. Beginning at six months allows fluoride exposure during the critical early years of tooth formation without increasing the risk of fluorosis that can come from starting too early or from excessive fluoride from other sources. Starting earlier than six months isn’t recommended, and starting much later would miss the window when enamel formation and eruption of the first teeth can be protected by fluoride. The exact dose depends on age and the fluoride level in the drinking water.

Fluoride helps prevent dental caries by strengthening enamel as teeth develop. When the primary water supply is deficient in fluoride, providing fluoride supplementation during early infancy helps protect both the developing primary teeth and the eruption period. The earliest safe time to start is six months of age. Beginning at six months allows fluoride exposure during the critical early years of tooth formation without increasing the risk of fluorosis that can come from starting too early or from excessive fluoride from other sources. Starting earlier than six months isn’t recommended, and starting much later would miss the window when enamel formation and eruption of the first teeth can be protected by fluoride. The exact dose depends on age and the fluoride level in the drinking water.