Environmental Health Division

FLUORIDE FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Dane County Public Health Dental Program
in cooperation with Dane County Dental Society

Dane County Public Health Nursing in cooperation with the Dane County Dental Society offers supplemental fluoride to Dane County children, ages birth to 14, who do not have enough fluoride in their drinking water.

Most Dane County cities and villages add fluoride to their water supplies. However, Dane County families who have their own wells have very little fluoride in their water.

Children who get the recommended amounts of fluoride from birth have an average of 35-50% fewer cavities than children who do not get the recommended amounts.

The combination of fiuoride and dental sealants can help strengthen teeth and protect them from decay.

Poor toothbrushing habits and frequent eating of foods with starch and sugar can still cause cavities in teeth; but fluoride supplementation can help to prevent many cavities.

To register for the Fluoride Program:

• Call the Dental Health Fluoride Program at 242-6529.
• Fluoride will be sent with a registration form for each child.
• The registration form must be returned and signed for continued program participation.
• If your child has allergies, check with your doctor first.

Children get the most benefit from the tablet if they can chew it on both sides of the mouth, using all their teeth. The chewed tablet is then swallowed. No foods or liquids should be taken for 30 minutes. Taking the tablet after meals or before bedtime is best. Since calcium binds the fluoride ion, fluoride is best taken without milk.

Children in day care in a fluoridated area should have the fluoride dose adjusted according to the amount of water consumed.

Most bottled water does not contain fluoride; however some do. Ask your pharmacist or call the Dane County Dental Coordinator.

As with all medication, children should be supervised while taking fluoride; more is not better. Do not take more than one dose of fluoride per day.

Toothpaste consumption should be monitored. Children should be encouraged to rinse, spit, and not eat toothpaste.

Fluoride dosages are as recommended by the:

• American Dental Association, and the
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
• State Lab of Hygiene Water Testing 224-6202 or 1-800-442-4618.

Keep Fluoride Out of the Reach of Children

Dane County Human Services Department
Division of Public Health Nursing
1206 Northport Drive
Madison, Wi. 53704 (608) 242-6520

FLUORIDE FOR YOUR CHILDREN
Fluoride Reorder/Registration 242-6529
Dental Program 242-6510