Introduction and rationale for the use of fluoride for caries prevention.

Following the original work of Dean et al. showing the link between fluoride levels in the drinking water and the prevalence of dental fluorosis and dental caries, different strategies aimed at maximising the benefits of fluorides for communities and for individuals have been developed during the last 50 years. The effectiveness of fluoridated salt, fluoride mouthrinses, toothpastes, supplements, gels and varnishes has been extensively investigated in laboratory and human clinical studies. The research effort on the different fluoride strategies has not been confined to measuring effectiveness; other areas which have been extensively investigated include the method of action and metabolism of fluorides. As a result of this research effort it is now possible to adopt a more rational approach to the use of fluorides for caries prevention at community level and for individual patients.