Answer 4
- At least 0.3 ppm.
Fluoride plays a major role in the prevention of dental caries. The combination of the fluoride ion with tooth enamel increases resistance of the tooth to Streptococcus mutans. Fluoride supplementation is indicated in this age group if the water supply contains less than 0.3 ppm of fluoride.3 Some household water purification systems filter out fluoride; therefore, a history regarding these systems should be elicited. Fluoride is best administered at bedtime because taking the supplement with food decreases its absorption.3
REFERENCE
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommendations for using fluoride to prevent and control dental caries in the United States. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2001:50(RR-14):1-42.
SUGGESTED READINGS
1. Committee on Nutrition, American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatric nutrition handbook. 4th ed. Elk Grove Village (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics; 1998.
2. Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: a guide for the medical profession. 5th ed. St. Louis (MO): Mosby; 1999.
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