If you live in a town without fluoridated water, you might wonder whether fluoride tablets are the answer. In Australia, the official answer has been no since 2006.
What the guidelines say
The national Guidelines for use of fluorides in Australia (updated 2019, from a workshop run by the University of Adelaide's ARCPOH) do not recommend fluoride tablets or drops that are chewed or swallowed. The Australian Dental Association's policy says the same. The main reason is the risk of dental fluorosis in young children.
What's recommended instead
- Fluoride toothpaste, used as directed for age.
- Professionally applied fluoride varnish for children at higher risk.
- For people avoiding fluoride, talk to a dentist about alternatives such as hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
The US is moving the same way
On 31 October 2025, the US FDA moved to restrict ingestible fluoride supplements for children, limiting them to children aged 3 and over at high risk of decay, after a review that began in May 2025.