Fluoride can prevent tooth decay

The French Agency for the Safety of Health Products recommended Wednesday not to prescribe routinely drops or tablets of fluoride for children from birth.

In the 1970s, the United States, it appeared that the children had virtually no cavities in cities where the fluoride content of water was high. Since then, in rich countries, has developed a range of products (toothpaste, gels, rinses, tablets or syrup) with fluoride for children and adults to prevent dental injuries. Fairly quickly, pediatricians have recommended that pregnant women take fluoride tablets and issued to newborns from birth pills or drops to put in the bottle. After putting a stop to the treatment of pregnant women by fluorine in 2002, the French Agency for the Safety of Health Products (AFSSAPS) has recommended Wednesday not to give fluorine newborn and no longer prescribe Oral systematically for more than six months. Over the past twenty years, the percentage of tooth decay among young people has declined significantly under the combined effect of dental hygiene and use of fluoride. Children from the most disadvantaged remain particularly at risk.

In certain doses, fluoride carries a very favorable against cavities: it is capable of limiting the demineralization and favors instead the remineralization of the tooth. Moreover, it inhibits the development of bacteria responsible for cavities. The problem is that an overdose (between 10 and 40 milligrams per day) can lead to the opposite effect, ie to fluorosis: the enamel is porous, teeth color will be weaken. Bone lesions can also occur.

However, sources of fluoride have multiplied with of course the tablets from birth, toothpastes or gels. But also with table salt fluoride, also used in school canteens. Moreover, tap water in some areas is richer in fluoride. But 85% of French people live in municipalities where the fluoride content in drinking water is very low, around 0.3 milligrams per liter. However, it is forbidden in France to add the bread in food or industrial salt fluoride. Some bottled mineral water containing high levels. This diversity of sources of fluoride, without clear message known by the public about the desired levels of consumption, helping to increase the risk of overdose. According to the World Health Organization, the maximum daily dose is 0.05 milligrams per kilogram per day, that not exceed is one milligram per day. The latest data argue that 2.75% of the population suffers from mild fluorosis and 8.8% had fluorosis "dubious". This is far from negligible.


"Brushing twice daily"

It is in this context AFSSAPS that has received the dossier and made these findings that break with the current prevention strategies. There is no question now of putting fluoride (drops or tablets) in bottles babies under six months. For more than six months, experts recommend using as a matter of priority forms of topical fluoride, ie in local application, such as toothpaste containing doses adapted to the age of the child. "Whatever the risk of the child, the most effective measure to prevent tooth decay based on a twice daily brushing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste with fluoride adapted to the age, say experts from Afssaps . In children at high risk for cavities, fluoride supplements can begin the first appearance of teeth, to six months, after conducting a review quantifying the other inputs.