Developing teeth are sensitive to higher fluoride levels. In young children, excess fluoride intake can cause dental fluorosis, a harmless cosmetic discoloring or mottling of the enamel, visible as chalky white specks and lines or pitted and brown stained enamel on developing teeth. They are at greater risk if they swallow or use too much toothpaste and fluoride supplements or regularly drink water containing excessive fluoride levels.

There is no evidence that fluoride, used correctly, is harmful to children with DS than any other child. Fluoride in the proper amounts is not toxic. No. A study in 1980 of births in 44 US cities proved conclusively that there was no difference in the rate of births of children with DS in cities with and without fluoridated water supply.

Yes. If excess fluoride is ingested it can result in a condition known as fluorosis. Fluorosis can cause varying degrees of staining and irregular enamel formation in your child’s permanent teeth. Most municipal water supplies are fluoridated at safe levels (1.0 ppm). If your water source is an independent well, or if you drink only bottled water, you will have to investigate the level of fluoride that the water contains.

Fluoride is a mineral found in nature. There is fluoride in the ocean, in the earth's crust and in fresh water.

Fluoridated drinking water contains 2 parts per million of fluoride. If you are on well water you can add prescription drops or vitamins. Most supermarkets have gallon containers of fluoridated water. Depending on the weight of the child, you can add an ounce of this water every time they have a cup of liquid. Be careful of reconstituted baby formula, it may have been processed with fluoride water. Read the label.

Many areas have enough fluoride in the water to help fight tooth decay. However, where the level in the water supply is low, it is sometimes necessary for children to take extra fluoride in the form of supplements. It is extremely important that these are only taken on the advice and instruction of a dentist.

Fluoride should be supplemented in your infant and children's diet, it makes the tooth stronger. Understand how much they are getting. Too much fluoride can cause white and brown stain on their teeth.

Fluoride helps dental development. During the first several years of life, a child's permanent teeth are forming. When a child has enough fluoride, the bone crystal of the teeth is tighter and can resist cavities better. Water in Utah County is not fluoridated, and a supplement may be needed. A prescription is needed for a fluoride supplement. Consult your pediatrician, dentist, or registered dietitian before giving your children any supplementation.

Fluoride is an element, which has been shown to be beneficial to teeth. However, too little or too much fluoride can be detrimental to the teeth. Little or no fluoride will not strengthen the teeth to help them resist cavities. Excessive fluoride ingestion can lead to dental fluorosis, which is a chalky white to even brown discoloration of the enamel. Fluoride when applied topically either as a gel, paste or rinse helps strengthen the teeth present in the mouth.

Overwhelming evidence by the American Dental Association, US Center for Disease Control, and World Health organization has demonstrated that Fluoride has been shown to dramatically decrease the chance of getting cavities. Many of our adult patients who grew up with regular dental care and fluoride supplementation have few or no dental problems. » Return to Top

Unfortunately, there is also a large amount of conjecture and opinion on the internet that has claimed that fluoride is dangerous. At therapeutic levels there has never been a published study that has been able show reliable repeatable results that demonstrate even a possibility of any harm. Many people find all of the negative opinions very confusing.

Common sources of fluoride for people include food and drink, toothpaste and fluoride supplements such as tablets. Some countries use fluoridated salt, others fluoridated milk. The World Health Organization says fluoridated water is the most effective and safest way of providing the benefits of fluoride.

If you have a skin disease, rashes, or allergies to adhesives, check with your doctor before using NicoDerm CQ. If a skin rash develops, or if the skin under the patch becomes swollen or very red, stop using NicoDerm CQ and see your doctor.