Scientific Review Examines Benefits of Fluoride Supplements

In the United States, fluoride supplements—including tablets, drops, and lozenges—were introduced mainly for use in communities that lacked ready access to fluoridated water. But with the addition of fluoride to toothpaste and other products, along with expansion of community water fluoridation programs, fluoride exposure is more prevalent than it once was. Combined with increased use of preventive in-office topical fluoride varnish and gel treatments, “The effect of fluoride supplements in children using fluoride toothpastes on a regular basis would probably be limited,” the researchers stated.

Review of the data showed that fluoride supplements had a preventive effect on caries in permanent teeth of children age 6 and older. The team noted, however, that the majority of these studies were conducted when the use of topical fluorides was not commonplace in preventive dentistry, and therefore the true efficacy of fluoride supplementation remains inconclusive.

The team also observed that for patients at high risk of caries and children who do not brush daily with fluoride toothpaste, fluoride supplementation is recommended. It is worthwhile to note, however, that the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs advises that fluoride supplements be prescribed only for children at high risk of caries who do not have access to fluoridated water. In addition, it encourages clinicians to monitor patient compliance with recommended supplement use to ensure its therapeutic benefits, as well as track overall fluoride intake to minimize the risk of fluorosis.