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International fluoride supplement recommendations
1Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|March 23, 1999
Summary
Fluoride supplementation guidelines are shifting globally, with a trend towards lower doses and reduced recommendations for young children. This review examines current and past fluoride tablet, salt, and milk recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Fluoride Research
Background:
- Fluoride supplementation is a key public health strategy for caries prevention.
- Recommended schedules vary globally and evolve over time.
- Different delivery methods (tablets, salt, milk) exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine current and historical fluoride supplementation schedules.
- To identify trends in fluoride dosage recommendations.
- To assess recommendations for different age groups, particularly very young children.
Main Methods:
- A telefax survey was distributed to 90 countries listed in the 1997 FDI directory.
- Responses were received from 21 countries.
- Additional data sourced from a fluoride textbook and a dental health survey report.
Main Results:
- A summary table of fluoride supplementation schedules was compiled, though not exhaustive.
- A discernible trend towards lower fluoride dosage recommendations was observed.
- A decrease in recommendations for fluoride supplementation in very young children was noted.
Conclusions:
- Current data indicates a global shift towards reduced fluoride dosages.
- There is a clear trend away from recommending fluoride supplementation for the youngest age groups.
- Further consideration of issues surrounding fluoride tablet supplementation schedules is warranted.