If I use fluoride toothpaste and the water in my area is fluoridated, do I still need additional fluoride?

This depends on your oral health status and any additional sources of fluoride that you may be receiving. Talk to Dr. Dantini about your specific situation for individualized information.

Fluoride may be obtained in several ways, including drinking fluoridated community water. The amount of fluoride in tap water is relatively small, yet is enough to strengthen the developing teeth of children. Fluoride may also be obtained through topical applications of toothpaste and mouthrinse, or it can be prescribed by Dr. Dantini. As with all good things, moderation is the key, so it is important that fluoride intake is monitored.

Young children should be supervised when using a fluoride toothpaste. Parents should place only a pea-sized amount on the toothbrush and teach children to spit out toothpaste rather than swallow it. Children under six years of age should not use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride supplements should only be prescribed for children living in nonfluoridated communities. Be sure to ask Dr. Dantini for an evaluation of you and your child's fluoride needs. Research shows that fluoride, taken in the correct amount, reduces cavities up to 60% in baby teeth and 15 to 35% in adult teeth.