Pediatric Dentistry · single question
A 4-year-old child lives in an area where community water fluoride is 0.3 ppm. What supplemental fluoride dose is appropriate?
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Correct answer: C. 0.50 mg/day
Per the ADA/AAP fluoride supplementation schedule: for children ages 3–6 in areas where water fluoride is less than 0.3 ppm, the recommended supplement is 0.50 mg/day. For ages 0–3 years, no supplement is recommended. For ages 6–16 in low-fluoride areas, 1.0 mg/day is recommended. This supplement accounts for the deficiency from low-fluoride water while avoiding excess that could cause fluorosis during tooth development.
- A. ❌ 0.25 mg/day is the dose for children ages 6 months–3 years in low-fluoride (<0.3 ppm) areas.
- B. ❌ No supplement is needed only if the water fluoride is 0.3 ppm or higher — at 0.3 ppm, supplementation IS indicated for this age group.
- C. ✅ CORRECT – 0.50 mg/day for ages 3–6 in areas with water fluoride <0.3 ppm.
- D. ❌ 1.0 mg/day is the dose for children ages 6–16 in areas with water fluoride <0.3 ppm.
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