Abstract
Policy evaluation and guidance on
fluoride use and
sugar consumption in Latin American and
Caribbean countries (LACC) may provide a scientific evidence basis for policymakers, dental professionals,
civil society organizations and individuals committed to improving public
oral health. A
cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the extent of implementation of
policies/guidelines on
fluoride use, and
sugar consumption in LACC. The study had two stages. First a
questionnaire covering four major areas was developed
fluoridation of public
water supplies;
salt fluoridation;
fluoride dentifrices, and
sugar consumption. Then, the
questionnaire was applied to collect data among representative participants in public
oral health from LACC. Ninety-six participants from 18 LACC answered the
questionnaire. One-hundred seventy
documents were attached, and 285 links of websites were provided by the
respondents. Implementation of
policies and guidelines on
water and
table salt fluoridation and processed and
ultra-processed food consumption were found in most countries, with some issues in the
consensus and coverage. Thus, differences were identified in the extent of implementation of public
oral health strategies on
sugar consumption and
fluoridation among the countries. There is no
consensus on the
policies in LACC to reduce
sugar consumption and for the use of
fluoride. A few
policies and guidelines were applied in isolated countries, with a variety of
strategies and
standards. For
future actions, it
will be important to encourage the development of
strategies and
public policies within countries, and to evaluate the
effectiveness of existing
policies in reducing
dental caries and in improving
oral health in LACC.