Value of Fluoride Supplements in Prevention of Dental Caries

• Published in: JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association Vol. 234; no. 3; pp. 312 - 313
• Main Author: Margolis, Frederick J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Medical Association 20.10.1975
• ISSN: 0098-7484; 1538-3598
• DOI: 10.1001/jama.1975.03260160060018

Dental caries is the most common disease of mankind. Numerous studies over the years have demonstrated the significant effects of water fluoridation in reducing caries. Methods are now finally available whereby caries rates can be remarkably reduced for those children living in nonfluoridated water areas. In the July issue of the American Journal of Diseases of Children (129:794-800, 1975), an article by Margolis et al, "Fluoride: Ten-Year Prospective Study of Deciduous and Permanent Dentition," reports a striking reduction in caries rates with the use of supplemental fluoride treatment prescribed from infancy.The responsibility for giving lifetime protection to the deciduous and permanent teeth lies of necessity with the physician. Since the deciduous teeth are calcified by age 1, and calcification of the permanent teeth begins at birth and is complete at age 8 to 10 years, supplemental fluoride must be prescribed in the first ten months of life and continued