The value of dentifrices and mouthrinses in caries prevention.

This paper reviews the current place of dentifrices, toothbrushes and rinses in the personal dental products market using data from the United States as an illustration. The clinical evolution of fluoride in dentifrices and rinses is briefly outlined, as is the changing view of the balance between the systemic and topical effects of the element on preventing dental caries. Issues involved in the current scientific arena are described as are issues related to caries trends and preventive technologies that deserve attention in the future.