Dietary Fluoride Supplement Schedule

Approved by the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Fluoride ion level in drinking water (ppm)^*

 * 1 part per million (ppm) = 1 milligram/liter (mg/L)
 ** 2.2 mg sodium fluoride contains 1 mg fluoride ion.

It is suggested that only children living in non-fluoridated areas use dietary fluoride supplements between the ages of six months to 16 years. Your physician or dentist can prescribe the correct dosage for your child based on the following considerations.

Level of fluoride in your drinking water. If the fluoride level is not known, it should be tested first. State and local health departments can provide information on testing drinking water for fluoride levels.

A complete fluoride history should include all the your child's sources of fluoride. Don't forget all water sources, or the amount and frequency of fluoridated toothpaste used when toothbrushing.

If your child is to benefit from the cavity protection that dietary fluoride supplements can provide, long-term use on a daily basis is needed.

Data Sources

• American Dental Association, Council on Access Prevention and Interprofessional Relations. Caries diagnosis and risk assessment: a review of preventive strategies and management. J Am Dent Assoc 1995;126(Suppl).
• Special Issue: Reference Manual, 1994–1995. Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Pediatric Dentistry 1994–1995; 16(7):1–96.
• Committee on Nutrition, American Academy of Pediatrics. Fluoride supplementation for children: interim policy recommendations. Pediatrics 1995, 95(5):777.

Date last reviewed: November 21, 2007
Date last modified: August 9, 2007
Content source: Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion