Fluoride Modalities in Caries Prevention

Use of fluoride for caries prevention 

Fluoride has been widely used for caries prevention for several decades, and it is considered to be one of the most effective measures in reducing the incidence of dental caries. There are different ways to apply fluoride for caries prevention, including:

1. Topical fluoride: This involves applying fluoride directly to the teeth in the form of a gel, foam, varnish, or mouth rinse. Topical fluoride works by strengthening the tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks. 

1. Systemic fluoride: This involves ingesting fluoride in the form of fluoridated water, dietary supplements, or fluoride-containing toothpaste. Systemic fluoride works by strengthening the teeth from the inside out as the fluoride is incorporated into the developing tooth structure. 

Fluoride helps to prevent caries by: 

Fluoride as Anti-Caries

Clinical context

Water fluoridation is a safe, effective and ethical way to help reduce tooth decay across the population and has long standing support of peak public health and dental authorities.

Water fluoridation

Water fluoridation is a proven method for reducing the prevalence of tooth decay in communities.

Surveys of tooth decay and dental fluorosis must be undertaken regularly, taking into account all fluoride sources and patterns of consumption in a community, in order to confirm the most appropriate water fluoridation concentration for that community or region.