Biomaterial Database

Introduction and rationale for the use of fluoride for caries prevention. 1994

D M O'Mullane

Oral Health Services Research Centre, University Dental School, Wilton Cork, Ireland.

Following the original work of Dean et al. showing the link between fluoride levels in the drinking water and the prevalence of dental fluorosis and dental caries, different strategies aimed at maximising the benefits of fluorides for communities and for individuals have been developed during the last 50 years. The effectiveness of fluoridated salt, fluoride mouthrinses, toothpastes, supplements, gels and varnishes has been extensively investigated in laboratory and human clinical studies. The research effort on the different fluoride strategies has not been confined to measuring effectiveness; other areas which have been extensively investigated include the method of action and metabolism of fluorides. As a result of this research effort it is now possible to adopt a more rational approach to the use of fluorides for caries prevention at community level and for individual patients.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D003731	Dental Caries	Localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. If left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp.	Caries, Dental,Carious Lesions,Dental Cavities,Dental Cavity,Dental Decay,Dental White Spots,Carious Dentin,Decay, Dental,Dental White Spot,White Spot, Dental,White Spots, Dental,Carious Dentins,Carious Lesion,Cavities, Dental,Cavity, Dental,Dentin, Carious,Dentins, Carious,Lesion, Carious,Lesions, Carious,Spot, Dental White,Spots, Dental White
D005459	Fluorides	Inorganic salts of hydrofluoric acid, HF, in which the fluorine atom is in the -1 oxidation state. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed) Sodium and stannous salts are commonly used in dentifrices.	Fluoride
D005460	Fluorides, Topical	Fluorides, usually in pastes or gels, used for topical application to reduce the incidence of DENTAL CARIES.	Fluoride Varnishes,Topical Fluorides,Varnishes, Fluoride
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D014100	Toothpastes	Dentifrices that are formulated into a paste form. They typically contain abrasives, HUMECTANTS; DETERGENTS; FLAVORING AGENTS; and CARIOSTATIC AGENTS.	Toothpaste