Q: Given a passage and a query based on the passage, generate an unambiguous, concise and simple answer to the query from information in the passage. Note that the answer may not be present in exact form.
Fluoride supplements were developed in the 1950s based on the incorrect and outdated notions that (a) fluoride's benefit to teeth comes from being swallowed during childhood, and that (b) children in unfluoridated communities have a deficiency of fluoride intake. For example, the use of a series of four or more topical applications should be considered for a patient with a severe caries problem. Likewise, a reduced topical application time of 30 seconds as opposed to four minutes may be adequate to maintain a patient with little or no current caries activity. Check with your child's doctor for any other special instructions. 1 Your child can eat and drink right after the fluoride varnish is applied. But only give your child soft foods and cold or warm (not hot) foods or liquids. 2 Do not brush or floss teeth for at least 4 to 6 hours. Fluoride varnish is a highly concentrated form of fluoride which is applied to the tooth's surface, by a dentist, dental hygienist or other health care professional, as a type of topical fluoride therapy.[1] It is not a permanent varnish but due to its adherent nature it is able to stay in contact with the tooth surface for several hours. When is Fluoride Varnish not used? Fluoride varnish is not used if there are noticeable sores in the mouth or on the gums. It is also not used if there is an allergy to one of the ingredients in the varnish or to pine nuts. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or dentist. The first use of adjusted fluoride in water for caries control began in 1945 and 1946 in the United States and Canada, when the fluoride concentration was adjusted in the drinking water supplying four communities (2--5). Water fluoridation reduces cavities in children, while efficacy in adults is less clear. A Cochrane review estimates a reduction in cavities when water fluoridation was used by children who had no access to other sources of fluoride to be 35% in baby teeth and 26% in permanent teeth. The evidence quality was poor. The CDC recommends that in communities where natural fluoride levels are high, parents should give kids water from other sources. The ADA also recognizes that infants need less fluoride than older kids and adults. Some infants may be getting too much fluoride in the water used to reconstitute infant formula. Fluoride supplements can be prescribed for children ages 6 months to 16 years who are at high risk for tooth decay and whose primary drinking water has a low fluoride concentration. 2, 21 Tablets and lozenges are manufactured with 1.0, 0.5, or 0.25 mg fluoride. 2, 3 Most supplements contain sodium fluoride as the active ingredient. 2 To maximize the topical effect of fluoride, tablets and lozenges are intended to be chewed or sucked for 12 minutes before being swallowed; 2, 3, 5 for ... A 1992 census found that, for U.S. public water supply systems reporting the type of compound used, 63% of the population received water fluoridated with fluorosilicic acid, 28% with sodium fluorosilicate, and 9% with sodium fluoride. Query: at what age should fluoride be used
A:
Fluoride supplements should be prescribed for children ages 6 months to 16 years.