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Dental Association advises fluoride toothpaste at age 6 months

CHICAGO, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. parents should make their children brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste when their first tooth come in, the American Dental Association advises.

Previously, the ADA recommended children ages 2 to 6 brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste, but now parents are being advised to give their children a tiny drop of fluoride toothpaste beginning at 6 months because their teeth are at risk for decay as soon as the first tooth appear, CBS News reported.

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"For half a century, the ADA has recommended that patients use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities, and a review of scientific research shows that this holds true for all ages," Dr. Edmond Truelove, chairman of the ADA's Council on Scientific Affairs, said.

The recommendation changes came after a recent review published in the Journal of the American Dental Association that found brushing with "fluoride toothpaste had statistically significant benefits on preventing decay and cavities," CBS said.

"Approximately 25 percent of children have or had cavities before entering Kindergarten, so it's important to provide guidance to caregivers on the appropriate use of fluoride toothpaste to help prevent their children from developing cavities," Truelove said.

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