Ask Dr. Mona

Fluoride is one of those topics that seems to swing between “essential for healthy teeth” and “something to avoid,” depending on which headline you read. So what’s the real story?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. It helps strengthen tooth enamel and can even repair early signs of decay, which is why you’ll find it in toothpaste, mouthwash, and many public water supplies. Studies show that fluoridated water can cut cavities by about 25%, which is a big help for kids’ dental health.

Most of the concerns you hear about come from studies in areas with naturally high fluoride levels, much higher than what’s in U.S. water systems. At those levels, overexposure can cause minor cosmetic changes in teeth (dental fluorosis) and has been studied for possible links to IQ. But those situations aren’t the same as the regulated levels here.

When used as recommended, like a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste for kids under 3 and a pea-sized amount for older kids, it’s still one of the most effective tools we have for preventing cavities. And remember, fluoride is just one piece of the oral health puzzle. Daily brushing, flossing, and being mindful of added sugars all go a long way in protecting your child’s teeth.

If you want a deeper dive into what fluoride does, where the concerns come from, and how to make the best decision for your family, check out the PedsDocTalk YouTube video Is Fluoride Safe?

If you’re formula feeding, or even just considering it, it can be hard to know where to turn for clear, supportive guidance. The options can feel endless, and the opinions from friends, family, and the internet don’t always help. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Here are a few PedsDocTalk resources that cover the basics and answer common questions about formula feeding.

The Breastfeeding and Formula Resources blog post covers key feeding topics in one place and shares online communities where you can find support and connect with others.

If you like to listen on the go, these podcast episodes are a great place to start:

• The Formula of Infant Formula answers the most common questions about ingredients, labels, and how to choose a formula.

• Formula Ingredients, Regulations, and Cognitive Development explains what the FDA requires, what certain ingredients do, and how formula supports your baby’s growth.

• How formula-shaming has led to overwhelming guilt for new moms focuses on why guilt shows up and how to move past it.

Whether you’re brand new to formula, have been using it for months, or are somewhere in between, you don’t need to spend hours comparing ingredient lists or scrolling wondering what’s true.

And if you’re looking for even more support as you navigate the first year, the New Mom’s Survival Guide includes guidance on everything from feeding to sleep, plus access to an online community where you can ask questions anytime.

The newborn stage and first year can be a lot, but with reliable information and a trusted place to turn, it’s more than manageable.

Ask Dr. Mona

Ask Dr. Mona all your parenting questions!

Dr. Mona will answer these questions in a future Sunday Morning Q&A email. Chances are if you have a parenting concern or question, another parent can relate. So let's figure this out together!