At what age might fluoride supplementation be needed, depending on fluoride intake from water and foods?

• A. Birth
• B. 2 months
• C. 6 months
• D. 12 months

Answer: (C)

Fluoride supplementation is considered when a child’s fluoride intake from water and foods may be too low to support developing teeth. The right time to assess this is around six months, when the first teeth typically begin to erupt and infants start consuming more formula or foods that contribute fluoride beyond breast milk. If the drinking water is low in fluoride and the diet doesn’t provide enough, a clinician may recommend a supplement to help prevent decay. Starting earlier than six months isn’t usually done because fluoride exposure at that age mainly comes from breast milk or formula, and adding fluoride too soon could raise the risk of fluorosis. Waiting until twelve months would miss an opportunity to protect the teeth as they erupt.