Evidence About the Benefits of Fluoridation: Caries Prevention Benefits

摘要

At appropriate levels, fluoride has been well established as a safe and effective agent in the prevention of dental caries. On the other hand, when individuals are exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride, negative side effects are seen. Despite advances in the reduction of oral diseases, dental caries remains common among both children and adults worldwide, especially among underserved populations in high, middle, and low income countries. Dental caries can negatively affect individuals' overall health and quality of life, and often results in reduced productivity. In addition, its traditional treatment is extremely costly, in both high and low-income countries. While death as a direct result of dental caries remains rare, its presence does result in years lived with disability. This presentation will review the evidence supporting fluoride's role in lowering the prevalence and incidence of dental caries and the preservation of functional dentition as well as good nutrition in late adulthood and how this results in increasing disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Findings from selected studies on global and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for dental caries will be reviewed. Trends on the prevalence of dental caries in different segments of the population as well as the number of people with untreated disease will also be presented. The detailed analysis of this evidence will provide background information for an informed discussion on the benefits of fluoridation and any diminution of DALYs from potential adverse side effects.