[Fifty years of fluoridation of public water supplies in Brazil: benefits for the control of dental caries].
Fluoridation of public water supplies is among the most important public health measures for control of dental caries. Through a review of the literature, this study intends to reaffirm the importance and scope of fluoridation for caries control, as this is acknowledged as one of the most effective ways of ensuring the constant presence of fluoride in the oral cavity, which is vital for controlling caries. Water fluoridation is rated as an important factor for reducing caries, meaning that it should be maintained and also monitored, ensuring adequate fluoride levels for controlling caries while avoiding dental fluorosis.
Ramires
Irene
I
Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, USP, Bauru, SP. iramires@usp.br
Buzalaf
Marília Afonso Rabelo
MA
D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005457:Fluoridation; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards*