This section address current recommendations for water fluoridation, fluoride supplementation, and toothpaste.
Water Fluoridation
The goal of community water fluoridation is to maximize dental caries prevention while minimizing the frequency of enamel
An abnormal condition (as mottled enamel of human teeth) caused by fluorine or its compounds.
fluorosis. The optimal fluoride concentration for this balance ranges from 0.7 ppm to 1.2 ppm. Because there is wide geographic variability in community water fluoridation, it is important to know the fluoride content of the water that children consume.
The
US Environmental Protection Agency requires that all community water supply systems provide each customer an annual report on the quality of water, including the fluoride concentration. Providers can contact the local water authority for this information.
Providers and patients can also determine the fluoride content of their town water by accessing the CDC Web site
My Water's Fluoride and choosing the appropriate state and township.
In regard to
well water, wide variations in the natural fluoride concentration of well water sources exist. Private wells should be tested for fluoride concentration prior to prescribing fluoride supplements. Testing can be done through local and state public health departments or private laboratories.
