Medical Questions » Teeth Questions » Question No. 982
| Question: | Should children be taking fluoride supplements if they use fluoride toothpaste? |
| Answer: | The fluoride in toothpaste acts directly on the tooth enamel from the outside, hardening it and helping it resist decay, but it can only act upon the very outermost layer of the tooth enamel.
Fluoride in tablet form does the same thing, but enters the tooth from the inside via the bloodstream, and permeates the entire tooth. Fluoride tablets can therefore protect the entire tooth far more effectively than fluoride toothpaste alone.
Many areas of Australia have adequate supplies of fluoride added to the drinking water, giving everyone protection. If you live in an area that has fluoride added to the water supply, or if the natural level of fluoride in the water is high, you do not need to give your children fluoride tablets. This information will be available by phoning your local council. If there is no fluoride in the water, it is advisable to give fluoride supplements to protect your children' s teeth.
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