title: Evaluation of appropriate use of dietary fluoride supplements in the US.
abstract: Recent epidemiologic and related evidence suggests the following trends: 1. the prevalence of caries continues to decline in children of the US and several other developed countries; 2. the prevalence of mild dental fluorosis is increasing; 3. the majority of the cariostatic effects of fluoride are topical; and 4. dietary fluoride supplements are a risk factor for dental fluorosis. These trends, and the scientific evidence on fluoride and fluorosis, suggest that it is time to re-evaluate the use of dietary fluoride supplements. This paper examines the evidence for each of the four trends and the use of fluoride supplements in caries prevention today.
authors.affiliation: Program in Dental Public Health, School of Public Health II, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-2029.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Szpunar
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Burt
mesh_terms: D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D005457:Fluoridation; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000453:epidemiology; D005527:Food, Fortified / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D005459:Fluorides