Fluoride in the prevention of caries in the preschool child

The use of fluorides has benefited greatly the dental health of preschool children. Water fluoridation cuts caries by half in the deciduous dentition as it does in the permanent dentition. In the absence of water fluoridation, fluoride dietary supplements can be used and are effective. For practical reasons it may be useful to limit their use to those at risk from caries and those seen to be prone to caries. There has been some concern over links between early use of fluoride toothpastes and the occurrence of very mild fluorosis. Although this is not perceived as a problem by parents or the community, it is prudent to recommend that parents clean their children's teeth with a pea-size amount of toothpaste. Fluoride varnishes are effective and are useful for preventing caries in young children.