Dietary fluoride supplementation for the prevention of caries.

Fluoride supplements are effective in preventing dental caries if conscientiously taken on a daily basis from birth until at least 12 to 14 years of age. The optimal dose depends on the child's age and the existing fluoride concentration in the water supply. A dosage schedule is recommended that decreases the dose of fluoride in infancy and that is inversely related to the concentration of fluoride in the drinking water.