ABSTRACT
Caries incidence and prevalence have decreased significantly over the last few decades due to widespread use of fluoride. However, an increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis has been reported in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities. Care must be taken to ensure that a balance between the optimal fluoride preventive effect at the individual and community level and minimal risk of dental fluorosis is maintained. This review describes the main sources of fluoride intake that have been identified: fluoridated drinking water, dietary fluoride supplement, and topical forms comprising toothpastes, rinses, gels and varnishes. The cited data were taken from meta-analytic studies and reports from Cochrane database systematic reviews up to December 2019. Efficiency, but safety, of topically applied fluorides in individual home care is dependent on the degree of compliance of individuals/parents and on the level of competence of providers of preventive counselling. The broad spectrum of these resources allows individualization of fluoride prevention based on risk analysis of caries attack and taking into consideration other preventive measures.
Subject(s)
Dental Caries/prevention & control , Fluorides, Topical/administration & dosage , Fluorides, Topical/adverse effects , Fluorosis, Dental/etiology , Dentifrices , Dietary Supplements , Fluoridation , Fluorosis, Dental/prevention & control , Home Care Services , Humans , MouthwashesABSTRACT
This study compared the staining potential of two experimental amine fluoride/stannous fluoride mouth rinses (A and B), a phenolic/essential oil rinse (C) and a negative control, water, rinse (D). The study was a single centre, randomized, single-blind, four treatment crossover study design among healthy participants. Prior to each study period, participants received a dental prophylaxis. On the Monday of each period, subjects suspended oral hygiene, and under supervision, rinsed with the allocated mouth rinse immediately followed by a warm black tea solution at hourly intervals eight times a day for 4 days. On Friday, the area and intensity of staining on the teeth, the primary outcome measure and dorsum of tongue were assessed. This regimen was repeated for all the three subsequent treatment periods. Rinse B produced less stain than rinse A, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.20). Rinse B produced significantly more stain than rinse C (p < 0.05) and D (p < 0.001). For tongue staining, rinse B produced significantly more staining than D (p < 0.01) but not A or C. Overall, all test rinses produced more staining than placebo with an overall pattern for more staining with stannous formulations. Individuals using stannous or phenolic/essential oil mouth rinse formulations should be advised of the possible staining side effect and that this can be easily removed by a professional dental cleaning.
Subject(s)
Mouthwashes/adverse effects , Oils, Volatile/adverse effects , Phenols/adverse effects , Tin Fluorides/adverse effects , Tongue/drug effects , Tooth Discoloration/chemically induced , Adult , Analysis of Variance , Cross-Over Studies , Fluorides, Topical/adverse effects , Herb-Drug Interactions , Humans , Plant Oils/adverse effects , Reproducibility of Results , Single-Blind Method , Tea/adverse effectsABSTRACT
This article reviews current thinking on the rational use of fluoride for the safe and effective prevention of dental caries, so that benefits may be maximized and risks minimized.
Subject(s)
Dental Caries/prevention & control , Fluorides, Topical/therapeutic use , Dentifrices , Dietary Supplements , Fluoridation/adverse effects , Fluorides/administration & dosage , Fluorides/toxicity , Fluorides, Topical/adverse effects , Fluorosis, Dental/etiology , Fluorosis, Dental/prevention & control , Humans , Mouthwashes , ToothbrushingABSTRACT
Since 1961 sodium fluoride has been an alternative in the treatment of osteoporosis, although there is still some difference of opinion between endocrinologists regarding the effect on pain and occurrence of fracture of the vertebral column. Two cases are reported, both treated for postmenopausal osteoporosis with calcium, vitamin D and sodium fluoride for longer periods over many years, and with good effect on pain and tendency to lumbar vertebral body fracture. In both patients the diagnosis of skeletal fluorosis was delayed for several years, mainly because information about this treatment never reached the radiologist. When the diagnosis was eventually established after the radiologist himself had made inquiries to the referring physician, the patients had in the meanwhile undergone several unnecessary supplementary examinations because of suspected cancer metastasis.
Subject(s)
Bone and Bones/drug effects , Fluorides, Topical/adverse effects , Sodium Fluoride/adverse effects , Aged , Bone and Bones/diagnostic imaging , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Fluorides, Topical/administration & dosage , Humans , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/diagnostic imaging , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/drug therapy , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/pathology , Pelvic Bones/diagnostic imaging , Pelvic Bones/drug effects , Pelvic Bones/pathology , Radiography , Sodium Fluoride/administration & dosage , Spine/diagnostic imaging , Spine/drug effects , Spine/pathologyABSTRACT
This statement reviews the rationale for the use of fluoride supplements for infants and children. The concept of fluoridation of water supplies as an effective and cost-beneficial method of reducing caries prevalence in the general population is strongly supported. In the absence of an adequately fluoridated water supply, fluoride supplements should be given to all children. This should begin at about 2 weeks of age; the dosage will depend on the concentration of fluoride in the local water supply. Fluoride-containing dentifrices are an important source of topical fluoride, but it is essential that parents be aware of the danger of excessive fluoride intake and that they teach their children to avoid swallowing toothpaste.