Fluoride’s predominant effect in caries prevention and management is post-eruptive and topical. However, as it relates to this statement, topical fluorides are those that are applied to erupted teeth, with the understanding that water fluoridation’s and dietary fluoride’s main effect is also topical. The American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) strongly recommends twice daily use of fluoride-containing dentifrices as an effective means of reducing caries.
Furthermore, based on current evidence, the AADOCR also strongly recommends that fluoride-containing dentifrices should be used in small amounts in pre-school-aged children in order to reduce the risk of dental fluorosis through unintentional ingestion. It is important to note that professionally applied gels and varnishes also reduce caries incidence. Studies show that application at six-monthly intervals is appropriate for patients at increased caries risk, but application frequency may be decreased or increased according to risk status and degree of exposure to other sources of fluoride. Higher-risk patients should receive applications at three to six-month intervals. In addition, the AADOCR recommends the use of daily or weekly fluoride mouth rinses and gels for this group.
The AADOCR makes the following caveat: Because of their high fluoride concentration, mouthrinses and prescription gels are not recommended for pre-school-aged children.
(adopted 1996; revised 2009, revised 2015)