Caries: fluorine not so useful?

According to a report that Afssaps The updates its 2002 recommendations on the prevention of cavities, fluoride is less important than we previously thought, especially among children less than six months.

"The dental caries is a disease that involves factors matter in the oral flora and food. "Can be read in the report of Afssaps. And fluorine is debate among health professionals over the past few years, particularly on the mode and age of directors. In 2008, a group of doctors from different specialties has worked on recent data that have changed since 2002 because knows more about the action of fluoride.


In the 80s, fluoride was considered major, today it is considered unnecessary before the age of six months. For children over six months, we note that 20 to 30% of children have 80% of cavities. The reasons: poor eating habits, non-compliance of oral hygiene and socio-economic family. The addition of fluoride should be adjusted according to the risk of cavities in children. In children with a reduced risk: brushing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste is recommended at least 2 times a day. For children who are more likely, a fluoride intake is recommended from the first appearance of teeth in addition to brushing twice a day.


In the release, "the Afssaps recalls that the prevention of tooth decay is through education to oral hygiene adapted a healthy diet, proper use of fluoride and consultation early and regular dental surgeon. Whatever the level of risk of cavities in children, the most effective measure to prevent tooth decay is brushing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. The brush must be performed or witnessed by an adult child before 6 years or less autonomous. The High Authority of Health (HAS) prepare recommendations for public health should be made public in 2009.