Preventing tooth decay. Fluoride is not automatic!

Times change. In the early 80s, health professionals thought should be given fluoride by General (tablets, drops) during the mineralization of teeth to prevent the formation of cavities.
The French Agency for the Safety of Health Products (AFSSAPS) released Wednesday a "updating" of its 2002 recommendations.
The ASSAP now recommends to cease the provision of fluoride in children less than six months and recommends for more than a prescription 6months depending on the individual risk of the child, taking care to excess, according to agency medicine.

"Beyond 6 months, the use of fluoride should be adjusted in the light of the risk of cavities in children, in addition to the daily brushing teeth," says the Afssaps.

In cases of "low risk", the agency recommends brushing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste (adapted to the age of the child), and after 3 years at least 2 times a day.

For high risk, in addition to brushing, a contribution in the form of drops or tablets is advised from the first appearance of teeth.


In recent years, differences had emerged including age, systematic or not fluoride supplementation and its method of administration. Hence various recommendations, those of the French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD) in 2000, the Afssaps in 2002 and the French Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SFOP) in 2004.

"The protective maximum efficiency is achieved through the contributions of small but regular fluoride in the mouth," adds the Afssaps.

In France there is a decrease in the frequency of dental caries. But "20 to 30% of children are 80% of caries." Poor diet, lack of brushing teeth, low socio-economic family, increase the risk.

A review of the daily intake of fluorine-taking other sources of fluoride (drinking water, salt) - should precede the prescription to prevent the child develops a "dental fluorosis, an excess of fluoride cause stains on teeth.

In fact, 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 weakened. 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.