Dental caries – or tooth decay — is the most common chronic disease in children in the U.S., a silent disease that disproportionally affects poor, young, and minority populations.
In a new clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “Fluoride Use in Caries Prevention in the Primary Care Setting,” published online Aug. 25 in the September 2014 Pediatrics, the AAP states that fluoride is effective for cavity prevention in children.
The AAP is issuing the following new recommendations:
- Fluoridated toothpaste is recommended for all children starting at tooth eruption, regardless of caries risk.
- A smear (the size of a grain of rice) of toothpaste should be used up to age 3. After the 3rd birthday, a pea-sized amount may be used. Parents should dispense toothpaste for young children and supervise and assist with brushing.
- Over-the counter fluoride rinse is not recommended for children younger than 6 years due to risk of swallowing higher-than-recommended levels of fluoride.
