Fluoride guidelines for children and adults

Fluoride has unequivocally contributed to the reduction of caries disease, for all age groups, more than any other preventive measure. The presence of fluoride in the oral environment increases the resistance of the dental hard tissues preventing the creation of the caries lesion, while also contributing to halting, and even restoring, initial lesions. Many different modes of delivery are utilised today (toothpaste, mouthwash, varnish, etc.), within the dental clinic but also at home, the latter being indeed the most common.

Many of the existing guidelines focus on the possible side-effects of dental enamel fluorosis and propose an upper uptake limit of children in the pre-eruptive phase and aim at a reduction of dental caries initiation or progression. For adult patients with high caries risk, the clinical indication is less governed by toxicological considerations but how to reach the best dose-efficacy. In adults, the challenges are root caries prevention and special care dentistry (xerostomia, fragile older patients).

The use of fluoride has also assumed a significant role in the prevention and management of tooth wear, especially in terms of erosion. This webinar will focus on the most up to date clinical guidelines for the use of fluoride, examining the role and effectiveness of the various products, according to age and special patient groups.

Main topics addressed

• Fluoride – biologic action and anti-caries effect
• Current guidelines on fluoride usage in children and adolescents
• Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) use in children
• Fluoride usage in adults with high caries risk
• Fluoride and dental erosion