| FLUORIDE CONCENTRATION IN DRINKING WATER | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHILD'S AGE | under 0.3 ppm | under 0.3-0.6 ppm | >0.6 ppm | |
| Birth to 6 months | None | None | None | |
| 6 months to 3 years | 0.25 mg/day | None | None | |
| 3-6 years | 0.50 mg/day | 0.25 mg/day | None | |
| 6-16 years | 1 mg/day | 0.50 mg/day | None | |
| ppm = parts million (1 ppm = 1 mg/liter of water) | ||||
Commentary: (not from Journal of the American Dental Association)
In the comments that follow, the words "fluoridated water" refer to the so-called "optimal" concentration of 1 ppm or 1 mg/liter.
Special attention should be given to the column above which gives the recommended fluoride supplementation schedule for children who live in communities that are not fluoridated or have very low concentrations of natural fluoride in the water. These water supplies are shown under the category of under 0.3 ppm. Based in the above facts, the following conclusions must be made:
1. The chart indicates that infants up to age 6 months should receive no supplementary fluoride, even if the water supply contains no fluoride at all (<0.3 ppm). There, consumption of any fluoridated water can only be viewed as overmedication of infants up to age 6 months.
2. The chart states that children from age 6 months to 3 years living in non-fluoridated areas should receive 0.25 mg/day of fluoride supplement. This is the amount found in 8 ounces of fluoridated water. Therefore, any child from age 6 months to 3 years who drinks more than one cup of fluoridated water per day is overmedicated.
3. The chart states that children age 3 to 6 years living in a non-fluoridated area should receive 0.50 mg/day of fluoride supplement. This is the amount found in 16 ounces of fluoridated water. Therefore, any child from age 3 to 6 years who drinks more than 2 cups of fluoridated water per day is overmedicated.