Fluoride is available in various forms. Forms of fluoride that can be applied
directly to teeth include:
- Toothpaste;
- Mouth rinses; and
- professionally applied fluoride treatments (available in the dental office).
These methods of delivering fluoride are more expensive than water fluoridation and require a
conscious decision to use them. However, the widespread availability of fluorides, via water
fluoridation, toothpaste and other sources, has resulted in the steady decline of dental caries
throughout the United States.
Children, whose dentists have evaluated as being at high risk for tooth decay and whose home water
supplies contain low amounts of fluoride, can take dietary fluoride supplements. This daily supplement,
which can be prescribed by a dentist or a physician, should be taken only by children if the home water
supply has been verified to contain a low concentration of fluoride.
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