Unfortunately, some overseas labels do not include fluoride content. A safe recommendation for parents is to mix infant formula with distilled water since it does not contain fluoride, and give a fluoride supplement. Once children start using toothpaste, only a small quantity equal to the size of a pea, should be used. Ingestion of fluoride-containing toothpaste, coupled with other sources of fluoride such as drinking water, reconstituted food and drinks and fluoride supplements, could cause dental fluorosis, a condition that occurs when someone receives too much fluoride. Carbon or charcoal water filter devices do not remove fluoride.
Boiling water has a negligible effect on removing fluoride.
Distillation and reverse-osmosis water treatment systems, however, do remove fluoride. Parents should assess all potential sources of a child's fluoride intake. Even though a family's water supply at home may not contain fluoride, the child may be drinking fluoridated water at day care or school. All of these facts need to be considered before recommending a fluoride supplement. Health unit physicians, nurse practitioners and health unit nurses can advise you when you are overseas.