title: A systematic review on fluoridated food in caries prevention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the caries-prevention effect of fluoridated food, excluding water. The main aim of this review was to evaluate the presence of scientific evidence relating to the effects of fluoride intake via food on the occurrence of carious lesions. The outcome was defined as a clinical outcome, so only papers evaluating a decrease in caries indices were included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Relevant databases (Medline®, Embase®, The Cochrane Library) were searched. The date range was set from 01.01.1966 to 03.31.2011. One hundred and thirty-nine reports were identified and assessed. Only three papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were discussed in detail.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No paper related to the use of fluoridated salt in caries prevention fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The use of milk as a vehicle for providing additional fluoride in a dental public health programme was evaluated in two papers. The consumption of fluoridated milk was an effective measure to prevent caries in the primary teeth. The use of fluoridated sugar demonstrated a reduction in caries increment in the permanent dentition in one paper.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Literature on the effectiveness of fluoridation in foods in caries prevention is scant and almost all the studies have been conducted in children. There is low evidence that the use of milk fluoridation is effective in reducing the caries increment.
authors: WHO Collaborating Centre of Milan for Epidemiology and Community Dentistry, University of Milan, S. Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy.
authors: Maria Grazia
authors: MG
authors: Cagetti
authors: Guglielmo
authors: G
authors: Campus
authors: Egle
authors: E
authors: Milia
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Lingström
mesh_terms: D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005503:Food Additives; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D005503:Food Additives; D005459:Fluorides