Fluoride therapy in caries prevention

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe and discuss the use of flu- orides in the prevention of dental caries. At a population level, the fluoridation of public water has been a measure of great efficacy, leading to a 50% reduction in the prevalence of new caries lesions. At individual level, the dental professional has many products of high concentrations, as the neutral or acidulated fluoride gels and the fluoridated varnishes, that can be used as an individualized manner in the dental office. Some dental materials release fluoride, as glass ionomers or some resin-based fis- sure sealants. These can be used as highly localized of fluoride releasers. Self-administered methods include fluoridated mouthrinses, fluoridated dental floss or fluoridated dentifrices. The latter was considered the most important factor in the recent de- cline of dental caries in Brazil and all over the world. In short, the use of fluorides by the patient must be indicated according to age, caries activity and the risk of developing new lesions (basically, the child and her parents, cooperation). Key words: dental caries, topical fluorides, dental floss, too- thbrushing, toothpastes.