title: Fluorides - mode of action and recommendations for use.
abstract: Various authors have shown that the caries decline in the industrialized countries during recent decades is based on the use of fluorides, of which local fluoride application in the form of fluoridated toothpastes is of primary importance. The caries-protective potential of fluorapatite is quite low; in contrast, dissolved fluorides in the vicinity of enamel are effective both in promoting remineralization and inhibiting demineralization. Considering the fact that the caries decline occurred at the same time that local fluoridation measures became widely used, the conclusion seems justified that regular application of F⁻ can inhibit caries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive, Restorative and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lussi
authors.forename: Elmar
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hellwig
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Klimek
mesh_terms: D002124:Calcium Fluoride / Q000378:metabolism; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005062:European Union; D005457:Fluoridation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005459:Fluorides / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000187:drug effects; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000187:drug effects; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods*; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D009067:Mouthwashes; D014100:Toothpastes; D002124:Calcium Fluoride; D005459:Fluorides