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Protect your child’s teeth with fluoride.
Fluoride is a mineral that helps protect teeth from decay. Here are some ways to make sure your child gets the right amount of fluoride.
- Fluoride is added to the drinking water in many towns and cities. Check with your child’s doctor or your city to find out if your water has fluoride in it.
- If your water doesn’t have fluoride in it, a doctor or dentist can give your child fluoride drops. The doctor or dentist may also paint a fluoride varnish on your child’s teeth.
- Start brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste at age 2 (or sooner if a dentist or doctor suggests it). Use just a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. If young children swallow too much fluoride, their adult teeth may have white spots.
What about cost?
Fluoride treatment for kids who don’t have fluoride in their water is covered under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010. Depending on your insurance plan, your child may be able to get fluoride treatment at no cost to you.
Check with your insurance provider to find out what’s included in your plan. For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.
