fluoride supplementation - what do you use?

[boongirl]

We just moved to a city without fluoridated water. This is new to us. I have asked around and everyone I have asked gives their children fluoride drops or tabs. Even the naturopath doctor gives her sons fluoride tabs each day. My dh is an environmental scientist and he thinks that sounds like too much fluoride but we want to give dd some fluoride.

What is a happy medium fluoride treatment? Just fluoride toothpaste? Just the tabs? Tabs a few times a week?

Please don't try to discuss me out of fluoridation all together. I want to limit her intake of fluoride but I want dd to have some fluoride. My grandfather was a dentist so it is ingrained in me that some fluoride is necessary and even dh thinks that.

[BeagleMommy]

I won't try to talk you out of fluoride altogether (although, I try to avoid it completely. To each his own.).

But do some web searches on other sources of fluoride in the diet. It's in tea and juices and all kinds of things. See what you and your little ones consume regularly, add it up, and see if you want more or not.

http://www.nofluoride.com/juice_content.htm
I know the above site is anti-FL, but the info may still be of use to you. It just lists amounts in common juices.

And where is this unfluoridated community?
We need to move sometime anyway. . .

[alegna]

I am not anti-fluoride. BUT it is intended for topical use, not internal. Dentists who are educated on it will tell you that it's use is really a topical one. The water is effective because it goes through the mouth. SO, in your case I would use a fluoride toothpaste (very little though) but nothing INTERNAL.

hope that helps!

-Angela

[boongirl]

My hunch is to just use fluoride toothpaste. We started that as soon as we move here. I remember getting fluoride treatments from my grandfather (a dentist) when I was a kid. He always emphasized not to swallow it.

Dd does not drink juice but thanks for the link.


Look at my tag. I live in Bellingham, WA.

[alegna]

Yeah. I'd stick with the toothpaste (not until they can spit unless there's a problem) and do treatments at the dentist as suggested.

-Angela