Kids Health Notes

Infant formula, tap water and too much fluoride

by Grace on October 19th, 2007

Fluoride is generally thought of as a good thing, and dentists and pediatricians often recommend giving infants and young children fluoride supplements to prevent and control tooth decay.

But too much of a good thing is also bad.

The CDC mentions that mixing infant formula concentrate with fluoridated tap water on a regular basis may increase the risk of enamel fluorosis. This condition develops while the baby or permanent teeth are still under the gums, but it becomes evident as faint white markings on the enamel once the teeth emerge. In cases of excessive fluoride, the teeth can appear yellow, pitted or mottled and porous.

On the other hand, some fluoride exposure to developing teeth play a long-term role in preventing tooth decay, so parents should weigh the balance between the risk of under- and over-fluoridation.

If a parent is concerned about using fluoridated tap water versus non-fluoride bottled water (in purified, deionized or distilled), the Mayo Clinic recommends that infant formula be mixed with either low-fluoride water, or to switch between tap and bottled water every so often.

Tags: dental health, fluorosis, tooth decay, fluoridated, tap water, infant, formula

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POSTED IN: Children's Health, Diseases and Medical Conditions, Healthy Development, Infant Care, Safety and Health