Evaluation of appropriate use of dietary fluoride supplements in the US

Recent epidemiologic and related evidence suggests the following trends: 1. the prevalence of caries continues to decline in children of the US and several other developed countries; 2. the prevalence of mild dental fluorosis is increasing; 3. the majority of the cariostatic effects of fluoride are topical; and 4. dietary fluoride supplements are a risk factor for dental fluorosis. These trends, and the scientific evidence on fluoride and fluorosis, suggest that it is time to re-evaluate the use of dietary fluoride supplements. This paper examines the evidence for each of the four trends and the use of fluoride supplements in caries prevention today.