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Fluoride and Your Child’s Teeth: What Parents Need to Know

April 30, 2025
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What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in soil, water, and some foods. It helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities by slowing the growth of harmful bacteria. Many communities add it to tap water to help keep teeth strong.

You may have heard a lot about fluoride lately. Is it good or bad?

The short answer: It’s good in the right amount! Fluoride helps protect teeth, but there are a few things parents should know—especially those with young children.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay (also called cavities) happens when the enamel (outer layer of the tooth) gets damaged. When bacteria in the mouth mix with food and drinks, cavities can form. Dental cavities are the most common chronic disease in children and can make eating and talking difficult.

What Happens If Tooth Decay Isn’t Treated?

If left untreated, cavities can get worse and cause:

  • Pain and infection
  • Trouble eating
  • Tooth loss
  • Gum disease

Does My Child Need Fluoride?

Yes! Fluoride helps protect teeth from decay.

Kids get it from:

  • ✓ Drinking fluoridated tap water
  • ✓ Using fluoride toothpaste
  • ✓ Getting fluoride treatments at the dentist

Is Fluoride Safe?

Yes, when used in the right amounts. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all agree that fluoride is safe and important for healthy teeth.

Can a Child Have Too Much Fluoride?

Yes, too much fluoride can cause a condition called dental fluorosis. Mild fluorosis causes white spots on teeth, while severe fluorosis can lead to brown stains and weaker enamel. The risk is highest between 15-30 months of age.

Do Babies Need Fluoride?

  • Babies under 6 months old do not need fluoride.
  • Breastfed and formula-fed babies over 6 months old may need a fluoride supplement if your local drinking water has low fluoride levels (below 0.3 ppm). Ask your doctor or dentist if this applies to you.

Fluoride in Toothpaste, Varnish, and Supplements

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

  • Fluoride varnish applied by a doctor or dentist every 3-6 months after the first tooth appears.
  • Over-the-counter fluoride mouth rinses for kids age 6 years and older if they can swish and spit properly.
  • Fluoride supplements for kids in areas without fluoridated tap water.
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A rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste from the first tooth until age 3.

A pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste from ages 3-6.

What If My Family Drinks Bottled Water?

Some bottled water contains fluoride, but many do not.

If your child mostly drinks bottled water, talk to your dentist about fluoride supplements. Some brands of bottled water offer both fluoridated and non-fluoridated options.

Other Ways to Prevent Cavities

Fluoride is important, but it’s not the only way to keep your child’s teeth healthy.

Here’s what else you can do:

  • Brush teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed.
  • Floss teeth that touch at least once a day.
  • Don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle.
  • Limit juice, sugary drinks, and sweets.
  • Take your child to the dentist by their first birthday and every 6 months after.
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By using fluoride, brushing regularly, and making healthy food choices, you can help protect your child’s teeth for years to come!

REFERENCES

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2024). Fluoride therapy. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry (pp. 351-357). Retrieved from
https://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/BP_FluorideTherapy.pdf

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022, January 21). Where we stand: Fluoride supplements. Retrieved from
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Fluoride-Supplements.aspx

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020, November 30). All about fluoride: Updated clinical report covers caries prevention in primary care. AAP News. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from
https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/7429/All-about-fluoride-Updated-clinical-report-covers?searchresult=1

American Dental Association. (n.d.). Fluoridation FAQs. Retrieved February 11, 2025, from
https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/fluoride-in-water/fluoridation-faqs

Kiritsy, M. C., Levy, S. M., Warren, J. J., Guha-Chowdhury, N., Heilman, J. R., & Marshall, T. (1996). Assessing fluoride concentrations of juices and juice-flavored drinks. Journal of the American Dental Association, 127(7), 895-902.
https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.1996.0347

Author: Bridget Swinney MS, RDN, LD

Side Lying Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Cross Cradle Hold

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football Hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Breastfeeding Holds

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position