Fluorides and Oral Health

Fülszöveg

Fluoride, in particular in toothpaste and drinking-water, is widely used throughout the world to prevent dental caries. There is clear evidence that regular, low-level exposure of a population to fluoride can reduce caries prevalence, but the most costeffective means of administering fluoride will depend on available resources, the caries status of the community, and existing environmental sources of fluoride exposure. This report of a WHO Expert Committee reviews the effects of fluorides on oral health and makes recommendations aimed at promoting their more effective use in developing and developed countries alike. The report briefly summarizes what is known about environmental sources of fluoride, its metabolism and excretion, and its incorporation into teeth and bones, and evaluates the various body fluids and tissues that can serve as markers for monitoring intakes of biologically available fluoride. Drawing on clinical research experience, it goes on to discuss the relatíve... Tovább

Fülszöveg

Fluoride, in particular in toothpaste and drinking-water, is widely used throughout the world to prevent dental caries. There is clear evidence that regular, low-level exposure of a population to fluoride can reduce caries prevalence, but the most costeffective means of administering fluoride will depend on available resources, the caries status of the community, and existing environmental sources of fluoride exposure. This report of a WHO Expert Committee reviews the effects of fluorides on oral health and makes recommendations aimed at promoting their more effective use in developing and developed countries alike. The report briefly summarizes what is known about environmental sources of fluoride, its metabolism and excretion, and its incorporation into teeth and bones, and evaluates the various body fluids and tissues that can serve as markers for monitoring intakes of biologically available fluoride. Drawing on clinical research experience, it goes on to discuss the relatíve merits of currently available methods of fluoride administration, both systemic and topicai (including drinking-water, salt, milk, toothpaste, tablets, drops, gels and mouth-rinses), particular emphasis being placed on the safety and cost-effectiveness of community water fluoridation and on the public health value of fluoridated toothpaste. Attention is alsó drawn to the need for public health authorities periodically to monitor the population's totál fluoride exposure and the prevalence of both caries and fluorosis if the greatest benefits are to be achieved in terms of oral health. Vissza