Fluorosis is a cosmetic condition of the permanent teeth that may occur when children ages 8 and under swallow too much fluoride. Fluoride can come from using too much toothpaste that contains fluoride, drinking water with higher than recommended fluoride levels, and taking fluoride supplements when other sources of fluoride are available. Fluorosis looks like small white or brown areas in the tooth enamel. Fluorosis generally does not affect the health of the teeth.

The risk of fluorosis can be reduced in the following ways: Using a small smear of toothpaste with fluoride for children under age 2, and using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with fluoride for children ages 2 through 5. (2) Having an adult brush infants’ and young children’s teeth and having an adult help older children brush their teeth. (3) Supervising fluoride use in infants and children. (4) Following recommended guidelines for fluoride supplements. If the fluoride content of the infant's or child's drinking water (for example, well water) is not known, the water should be tested. Testing can be arranged by city, county, or state departments of public health.

Performance Standards

1304.20(c)(3)(i)

1304.23(b)(3)

References

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Liaison with Other Groups Committee. 2008. Guideline on fluoride therapy. Pediatric Dentistry 30(7)121-124. http://aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/G_FluorideTherapy.pdf.

American Dental Association, Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations. 1995. Caries diagnosis and risk assessment: A review of preventive strategies and management. Journal of the American Dental Association 126(Special supplement):1S-24S.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2001. Recommendations for using fluoride to prevent and control dental caries in the United States. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports 50(RR-14):1-42. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5014.pdf.