The City of Milwaukee
Notice to Parents of Infants Six Months of Age or Younger
According to the CDC, the proper amount of fluoride from infancy throughout life at all ages helps prevent and control tooth decay (cavities). Therefore, the Milwaukee Water Works, following public health recommendations, maintains a level of fluoride in our drinking water that is both safe and effective. Per Common Council File No. 120187 adopted on July 24, 2012, we are required to post the following advisory regarding fluoride and young infants:
“The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a child’s life, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, for optimal short- and long-term health advantages. Go to <http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/129/3/e827.full for more information. As of 8/31/2012, City of Milwaukee water is fluoridated at a level of 0.7 mg/L. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), for infants up to 6 months of age, if tap water is fluoridated or has substantial natural fluoride (0.7 mg/L or higher) and is being used to dilute infant formula, a parent may consider using a low-fluoride alternative water source. Bottled water known to be low in fluoride is labeled as purified, deionized, demineralized, distilled, or prepared by reverse osmosis. Ready-to-feed (no-mix) infant formula typically has little fluoride and may be preferable at least some of the time. If breastfeeding is not possible, parents should consult a pediatrician about an appropriate infant formula option. Parents should be aware that there may be an increased chance of mild dental fluorosis if the child is exclusively consuming infant formula reconstituted with fluoridated water. Dental fluorosis is a term that covers a range of visible changes to the enamel surface of the tooth. Go to http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/safety/infant_formula.htm for more information on dental fluorosis and the use of fluoridated drinking water in infant formula.”
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