Fluoride and caries prevention: 1. Scientific rationale.

In order to achieve the greatest clinical benefit from the use of fluoride, we must understand its mechanism of action, so that fluoride can be given at the right time, by the best route, at the optimum dosage and in the most suitable form. The first article in this two-part series reviews the scientific rationale behind the use of fluoride. Part 2 will illustrate fluoride therapy in practical terms, by examining eight clinical cases.