Abstract
In 1993, the World Health Organization convened an Expert Committee to provide authoritative information on the role of fluorides in the promotion of oral health throughout the world (WHO TRS 846, 1994). This present publication is a revision of the original 1994 document, again using the expertise of researchers from the extensive fields of knowledge required to successfully implement complex interventions such as the use of fluorides to improve dental and oral health. Financial support for research into the development of these new fluoride strategies has come from many sources including government health departments as well as international and national grant agencies. In addition, the unique role which industry has played in the development, formulation, assessment of effectiveness and promotion of the various fluoride vehicles and strategies is noteworthy. This updated version of ‘Fluoride and Oral Health‘ has adopted an evidence-based approach to its commentary on the different fluoride vehicles and strategies and also to its recommendations. In this regard, full account is taken of the many recent systematic reviews published in peer reviewed literature.
- Introduction ………………………………………. 69
2. Presence of fluoride in the environment ………… 70
3. Fluoride metabolism and excretion ………………. 72
4. Fluoride in teeth and bone ………………………… 73
5. Biomarkers of fluoride exposure ………………… 75
6. Caries prevention and enamel fluorosis ………… 77
7. Fluoride in drinking-water ……………………… . 78
8. Fluoridated salt ………………………………… 81
9. Fluoridated milk. ………………………………… 83
10. Fluoride supplements (tablets and drops) ………. 84
11. Fluoride toothpastes …………………………… 85
12. Topical fluorides (other than toothpaste) ……… 88
13. Multiple fluoride exposure …………………… 90
14. Fluorides and adult dental health ……………… 90
15. Recommendations ………………………………. 91
Annexe 1. Worldwide totals for populations with artificially and naturally fluoridated water ……. 92
Annexe 2. Worldwide use of fluoridated salt ……… 94
Annexe 3. Worldwide use of fluoridated milk ……… 95
Acknowledgments …………………………………… 95
References …………………………………………… 95