New Guidelines on Fluoride Use to Prevent Tooth Decay

We know that fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay. Studies even show that fluoride can slow the progression, and even reverses newly-forming cavities. The widespread use of bottled waters and the availability numerous products that contain fluoride prompted new recommendations by the CDC (The CDC, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention). The CDC emphasizes that “fluoride is needed throughout the life span to prevent and control tooth decay.” They further stress that “better use of fluoride can lead to considerable savings in public and private resources.”

Communities have been adding fluoride to their drinking water since 1940. This, coupled with the use of other fluoride products has brought about some serious reductions in tooth decay experienced in those communities. The change has been so dramatic that the CDC lists water fluoridation in the top ten greatest public health achievements of the 20th century, but approximately 100 million Americans do not receive the benefit of fluoridation.

The CDC recommends the following:

1. Continuation and expansion of fluoridation of community drinking water.
2. The frequent use of small amounts of fluoride, coupled with a program of selfcare such as brushing at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.
3. Particularly with children those who are at high risk for decay and who live in communities with low fluoride concentration in their drinking water, the CDC encourages the use of supplements and high concentration fluoride products such as professionally applied gels, foams, and varnishes.
4. Careful monitoring of the fluoride intake of children younger than six, because these years are critically important for tooth development.
5. Parents should guard against overuse of fluoride during this period and should consult with their dental professional for guidance.
6. Bottled water should be labeled with its fluoride concentration. Increased labeling will allow consumers to make informed decisions on their fluoride intake.
7. Health professionals and the public should collaborative efforts with professional organizations, public agencies and suppliers of oral care products, to work toward improved public awareness as to the proper use of fluoride.

The director of CDC’s Division of Oral Health (DOH) stated that "With multiple sources of fluoride available to us, we want to ensure that every family member gets fluoride in the right amount, in the right place, and at the right time."