National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

The recommended dosage of fluoride for children under 6 years of age living in non-fluoridated areas is indeed 0.25 mg per day. This dosage is aimed at reducing the risk of dental caries while minimizing the potential for dental fluorosis, which can occur if fluoride exposure is excessive during the early years of dental development.

Children in non-fluoridated areas may not receive adequate fluoride from drinking water or food, making supplementation important for oral health. The 0.25 mg dosage strikes a balance, providing enough fluoride to promote remineralization of early carious lesions and support overall dental health without exceeding safety guidelines.

When considering other dosages, higher amounts like 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, or lower amounts such as 0.01 mg are not aligned with the recommended guidelines for this age group. Higher dosages could increase the risk of fluorosis, while lower dosages might not provide sufficient preventive benefits against cavities in populations lacking natural fluoride sources. Therefore, the dosage of 0.25 mg is the most appropriate choice for this specific age group in areas where fluoride is not otherwise available.