[Use of fluorides in children: recommendations of the European Academy for Pediatric Dentistry]

Abstract

The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) strongly endorses that fluoride use should be part of any preventive programme for the control of dental caries in children. Each child under the care of a dentist should have a carefully planned programme appropriate to the level of caries risk and age of each child. Such a preventive programme should be reevaluated at least every six or 12 months and changed according to the patient's risk and the improvement or not of his or her's overall health. It is the combination of the use of an appropriate fluoride toothpaste with good oral hygiene that is the key to good dental health. This policy document deals with guidelines for systemic use of fluorides, fluoride supplements, topical methods (varnishes, mouthrinses and gels) and toothpastes. Moreover some recommendations are given to toothpaste manufacturers.