[Fluoride versus the profession]

Topical application of fluoride is the most frequently used procedure by those persons interviewed about the different methods employed in the prevention of dental decay in children. Of all the ways of administering fluoride, professionals consider as the most effective the fluoridization of drinking water and the least effective that of fluoridization of salt. Among the most common advice given by the professional to his patients is to prescribe a fluorinated tooth paste, this behavior being commonest amongst the youngest dental surgeons. Over half of the professionals do not prescribe fluoride supplement with vitamins. If they do this, the most important issue to consider is the child's age. The most appropriately applied criteria regarding the start of a diet containing fluoride supplement--according to the interviewees--correspond to pregnancy.