DIETARY FLUORIDE SUPPLEMENTS
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR), realizing that dental caries (tooth decay) ranks among the most prevalent chronic diseases world-wide; and
Recognizing that the consequences of tooth decay include pain, infection, tooth loss, the subsequent need for costly restorative treatment, and absence from work and school; and
Recognizing that, while fluoridation of water supplies is the most effective and least expensive measure to prevent tooth decay, large numbers of people do not currently have access to the benefits of community fluoridation; and
Taking into account that over 20 years of research have clearly demonstrated the safety and efficacy of dietary fluoride supplements; now, therefore,
- Strongly recommends use of dietary fluoride supplements in areas where optimal fluoridation of water supplies is not available, and
- Urges researchers and health authorities of countries within each IADR Division to develop and promote dosage schedules for dietary fluoride supplements that are suitable for their particular area.
REFERENCES
Accepted Dental Therapeutics, American Dental Association, 38th ed., 1979, 385 pp.
Committee on Nutrition, American Academy of Pediatrics, Fluoride Supplementation: Revised Dosage Schedule, Pediatrics, Vol. 63, No. 1, January, 1979
Report of ORCA on Caries-preventive Fluoride Tablet Programs, Caries Res, Vol. 12, Supplement 1, 1978, 112 pp.
IADR, Policy Statement, J Dent Res, Nov. 1979.
AADR, Policy Statement accepted July 10, 1980.
(adopted 1983)