Fluoride
Flouride provides your child with excellent protection from cavities. Upon the eruption of his/her first tooth, you should clean the teeth with a wash cloth or training toothbrush. You may introduce fluoride containing toothpaste around one year of age. Use a grain of rice sized smear to clean the teeth. Try and clean each tooth, brushing for about 2 minutes. Fluoride varnish will be recommended by your pediatrician at well visits starting at one year of age.
If or when you start your young child on supplemental formula, you may use city tap water to mix with the formula for this is already supplemented with flouride. If you use well water for your drinking water, please check with your county health department* to have your well water tested and then consult with your pediatrician or family physician to assure that your child is getting the right amount of flouride.
* or check out the My Water's Flouride
website.
