ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov. 27 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Dental Association says the claim that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of tooth decay is not intended for infants.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced it will permit bottlers of water to say that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of tooth decay.
"Parents who are using baby formula in the first year of their child's life want to closely evaluate the amount of fluoride in the water," said Dr. Dick Wiberg, president of the Minnesota Dental Association.
A proper amount of fluoride is essential to help prevent tooth decay, but fluoride intake above optimal levels creates a risk for enamel fluorosis, which affects teeth during the development stage before emerging through the gums, says Wiberg.
Recent studies have raised the possibility that infants could receive higher than optimal amounts of fluoride through liquid concentrate or powdered baby formula that has been mixed with tap water, but more research is needed before definitive recommendations can be made on fluoride intake by bottle-fed infants, according to Wiberg.
