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USPSTF 2021 recommends oral fluoride supplementation and fluoride varnish application to prevent caries in children (B recommendation)

Clinical Question

Should primary care clinicians prescribe oral fluoride and apply fluoride varnish to prevent dental caries and, if so, when and to whom?

Bottom line

In this updated 2021 review, the USPSTF continues to recommend oral fluoride supplementation starting at age 6 months for children whose water supply is deficient in fluoride (B recommendation). The task force also recommends that primary care clinicians apply fluoride varnish to the primary teeth of all infants and children starting at the age of primary tooth eruption (B recommendation). These recommendations are consistent with the 2014 recommendations. The CDC offers a reference called "My Water's Fluoride" for those who are uncertain about whether their water supply is deficient in fluoride. 2c

Reference

US Preventive Services Task Force, Davidson KW, Barry MJ, et al. Screening and interventions to prevent dental caries in children younger than 5 years. US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA 2021;326(21):2172-2178.

Study design: Practice guideline

Funding: Government

Setting: Population-based

Synopsis

In this updated review, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found adequate evidence that dietary fluoride supplementation in children who have low levels of fluoride in their water can reduce the risk of dental caries. Similarly, evidence is adequate that the application of fluoride varnish to the primary teeth of all children helps prevent dental caries. No evidence of harm was found from dietary fluoride supplementation or topical fluoride application. Multiple other national organizations similarly recommend appropriate oral fluoride supplementation when needed and topical varnish application to all primary teeth at eruption, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Dental Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Reviewer

David C. Slawson, MD
Professor and Vice Chair of Family Medicine for Education and Scholarship
Atrium Health
Professor of Family Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill
Charlotte, NC


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Comments

Anonymous

oral flouride for preventative care in children

what form of oral flouride supplementation is suggested ?

March 21, 2022
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