Indications for the use of topical sodium fluoride in areas with water fluoridation

Abstract

If maximum benefit from the use of sodium fluoride compounds in reducing dental caries is expected, topical sodium fluoride therapy should not be discontinued immediately after the initiation of a water fluoridation program in the community. The most important indication for the use of topical fluorides in water fluoridated areas is in the case of children up to and including the age of sixteen in an area which has had water fluoridation in effect for eight years or less. Further reduction in caries among children as a result of topical fluoride therapy after fluoridation has been in effect for eight years has not been observed. The use of topical fluorides on adults, in fluoride or nonfluoride areas, has not been observed to be significant benefit in reducing dental caries.