When should fluoride supplementation start according to the USPSTF recommendations?

Fluoride supplementation is recommended to begin at 6 months of age according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. This timing is based on the need to protect the developing teeth from dental caries, which can start as soon as teeth begin to erupt. Starting fluoride supplementation at this age helps to ensure that children receive enough fluoride to promote healthy tooth enamel development.

Research has shown that fluoride can significantly reduce the risk of cavities in young children, and initiating supplementation before the age of 1 year allows for early protection as teeth are forming. Additionally, the availability of fluoride in drinking water can be variable, so starting supplementation at 6 months provides a proactive approach to dental health in early childhood.

The other options are incorrect because starting fluoride supplementation at birth, 1 year, or 2 years does not align with the optimal timing established by the USPSTF recommendations, which emphasize beginning at around 6 months to maximize the protective benefits of fluoride against tooth decay.