Fluoride and its modalities in Paediatric dentistry

1. FLUORIDE AND ITS
MODALITIES IN
PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
DR BAKARE

2. Outline
• Introduction
• Mechanism of action of fluoride
• Fluoride application in paediatric dentistry
• Topical fluoride application
• Professionally
• Self
• Silver diamine fluoride
• Systemic fluoride application
• Fluoride Hazard
• Conclusion
• References

3. Introduction
• Dental caries is the most common childhood disease.
• It is an important public health problem across the world. The world
health organization (WHO) emphasizes that the disease affects about
60–90% of school children.
• Fluoride was introduced into dentistry over 70 years ago, and it is now
recognized as the main factor responsible for the dramatic decline in
caries prevalence that has been observed worldwide.

4. Introduction
• Fluorine is derived from the latin word “fluore” meaning “to flow”.
• It is a member of the halogen family with atomic weight of 19 and
atomic number of 9.
• Is the most electronegative and reactive of all elements, hence it is
never found in its elemental form in nature.
• It is combined chemically in the form of fluorides.

5. Introduction
• Fluoride may occur in a wide variety of minerals in rock and soil
including fluorspar, cryolite, apatite, mica, topaz, tourmaline.
• Fluoride concentration in the soil increases with depth.
• Waters with high fluoride content are usually found at the foot of high
mountains and areas with geological deposits of marine origin.

6. Introduction
• All water contains fluorides in varying concentrations due to the presence of
fluoride in the earths crust.
• Water from lakes, rivers and artesian wells have a fluoride content below
0.5mg/l.
• Sea water contains fluoride levels of 0.8-1.4mg/l.
• Lake Nakuru in the rift valley in Kenya has the highest natural fluoride
concentration of 2800mg/l.

7. • Approximately 90% of the fluoride ingested each day is absorbed from the
alimentary tract with higher proportions from liquids than solids.
• Absorption across the oral cavity is limited and accounts for less than 1% of
the daily intake.
• Absorption from the stomach occurs readily and is inversely related to the ph
of the gastric contents.
• High concentrations of dietary calcium and other cat-ions form insoluble
complexes with fluoride ion thus reducing fluoride absorption from the
gastrointestinal tract.

8. Introduction
Dietary sources of fluoride include:
• Unprocessed foods -low (0.1-2.5 mg/kg).
• In plants - 2-20mg/g of dry weight.
• Leafy vegetables -11-26 mg on dry weight basis.
• Fish -20-40 ppm on dry weight basis

9. Introduction
• Approximately 99% of the body burden of fluoride is associated with the
calcified tissues.
• Approximately 55% will be retained by children and 36% by adults. The
remainder of the absorbed fluoride will be excreted in urine.
• The elimination of absorbed fluoride occurs almost exclusively via the
kidneys and about 10% of the daily intake of fluoride is not absorbed and is
excreted in the faeces.

10. Mechanism of Action of Fluoride
• The effect of fluoride in caries prevention can be considered
under two headings.
• Pre-eruptive effect
• Post – eruptive effect

11. Mechanism of Action of Fluoride
• Until recently the major caries-inhibitory effect of fluoride was
thought to be due to its incorporation in tooth minerals during the
development of the tooth (systemic) prior to eruption.
• There is now overwhelming evidence that the primary caries-
preventive mechanisms of action of fluoride are post-eruptive (topical)
effects for both children and adults.

12. Pre-eruptive Effect
• Improved crystallinity - Changes the crystalline structure of enamel
making it less soluble.
• Increased Crystal size
• Less acid solubility
• More rounded cusps and fissures
• Overall effect is small because discontinuation of fluorides leads to
loss of caries protection – constant servicing!!!

13. • Changes the crystalline
structure of enamel to make it
less soluble.
OLD CONCEPT
• That major inhibitory effect was
thought to be due to its
incorporation in tooth mineral
during the development of the
tooth prior to eruption

14. Post-Eruptive Effect
• Recent evidences shows that the main effect of fluoride in caries
prevention are the post-eruptive - through topical application.
• Fluoride incorporated developmentally into the normal tooth mineral
is insufficient to have a measurable effect on acid solubility.
• Only when fluoride is concentrated into a new crystal surface during
Re-mineralization, is it sufficient to alter solubility beneficially.

15. Post-Eruptive Effect
• Effect is seen when fluoride is present in plaque and saliva.
• There is now clear evidence that caries reduction is most
effective when a low concentration of fluoride is maintained
consistently within the oral environment.

16. Post-Eruptive Effect
• Permanent enamel is an acellular tissue composed chiefly of minerals
(calcium- deficient, carbonated hydroxyapatite (85% volume).
• The hydroxyapatite molecules are arranged in long and thin apatite
crystals that forms the enamel prism.
• The spaces between the crystals is occupied by water (12%vol) and
organic material (3% vol).
• It is in this space filled with the enamel fluid that the demineralization
and remineralization reactions take place.

17. Post-Eruptive Effect
• The dentine contains 47% apatite, 33% organic components and 20%
water.
• The organic matrix is composed mainly of collagen (90%), and other
non- collagenous components.
• The collagen forms the backbone of dentin and serves as a template
for the deposition of apatite crystallites within the collagen matrix.

18. Post-Eruptive Effect
• The small apatite crystals provides a large surface area for acid
interaction during acid attack.
• Thus making the dentine surface more susceptible to caries attack than
the enamel.
• For dentinal caries to occur, there must be an initial dissolution of the
mineral which in turn exposes the organic matrix to breakdown by
bacterial- derived enzymes as well as by host derived enzymes such as
matrix metalloproteinases present in dentin and saliva.

19. Post-Eruptive Effect
• The saliva under resting condition is a super saturated solution of calcium
and phosphate ions.
• Fluoride when present in the oral environment, reacts with the available
calcium ion to form CaF₂.
• The mineral of tooth tissue exists as a carbonated apatite which contains
calcium, phosphate, and hydroxyl ions, making it a hydroxyapatite
(Ca₁₀(PO4)₆(OH)₂). The carbonated portions weaken the structure and
render the tissue susceptible to attack.

20. Post-Eruptive Effect
• In the presence of an acid attack and with a pH below 5.5 (the critical pH
for hydroxyapatite demineralization), a net outward flow of calcium and
phosphate ions from the enamel surface into plaque and saliva occurs.
• As the pH returns to 7.0, remineralization occurs with a net inward flow of
ions into the enamel surface.
• Fluoride when present during remineralization, it is incorporated to form
fluorapatite (Ca₁₀(PO4)₆F₂). which is more stable and resistant to further
acid attacks

21. Post-Eruptive Effect
• This is now widely believed to
be the most important preventive
action of fluoride.
• A constant post-eruptive supply
of ionic fluoride is thought to be
the most effective.

22. Post-eruptive effect
• Fluoride prevents demineralization.
• Formation of fluorohydroxyapatite and inhibition of mineral loss from
enamel. (critical ph is 3.5)
• Fluoride enhances remineralization.
• Through formation of a fluoride reservoir and creation of supersaturated
solutions.
• Fluoride aids in post eruptive maturation of enamel.
• Fluoride reduces enamel solubility

23. Post-eruptive effect
• Fluoride inhibit plaque bacteria.
• By blocking the enzyme enolase, needed in the glycolytic
pathway of CHO metabolism
• Also reduces the accumulation of intracellular and extra-
cellular polysaccharides
• At low pH, fluoride combines with hydrogen ions and diffuses
into oral bacteria as hydrogen fluoride (HF) Inside the cell HF
dissociates, acidifying the cell and releasing fluoride ions that
inhibit glycolysis.

24. Fluoride Application in Paediatric Dentistry

25. Topical Fluoride
• The term Topical Fluoride Therapy refers to the use of systems
containing relatively large concentrations of fluoride that are applied
locally, or topically to erupted tooth surfaces to prevent the
formation of dental caries.
• Thus this term encompasses the use of fluoride rinses, dentifrices,
pastes, gels, and solutions that are applied in various manner.

26. Rationale for Topical Fluoride
• Topical fluorides hastens the process of fluoride acquisition by the
teeth mineral.
• Since immature and porous enamel acquires fluoride rapidly and the
enamel surface of newly erupted teeth undergoes rapid maturation, its
follows that the best time to apply topical fluorides is soon after
eruption.

27. Rationale for Topical Fluoride
• Also the initial carious lesion, characterized by a white spot, is porous
and accumulates fluoride at much higher concentrations than adjacent
sound enamel.
• Hence periodic applications of fluoride would enable vulnerable
enamel sites that are partially demineralized to accumulate fluoride.

28. Classification of Topical Fluoride
• Professionally applied
• Introduced by Bibby in 1942
• Dispensed by dental professionals in the dental office and usually involve the
use of high fluoride concentration products ranging from 5000-19000 ppm.
• which is equivalent to 5-9 mg F/ml
• Self applied
• Are low fluoride concentration products available for use at home.
• Fl conc. ranges from 200-1000ppm or 0.2-1 mgF/ml
• Include fluoride dentifrices, mouth rinses & gels

29. Indications for Professional Topical Fluorides
• High caries risk or caries active children i.e. those with past caries
experience or those who develop new carious lesion on smooth tooth
surfaces- severe ECC
• Children shortly after periods of tooth eruption, especially those who are
not carries free.
• Medication to reduce salivary flow or had undergone head and neck
radiation.
• After periodontal surgery when roots of teeth have been exposed.
• Patients with fixed or removable prosthesis and after placement or
replacement of restorations.
• Special health care need children.

30. • Professional topical fluorides used in dentistry include:
1. Sodium fluoride:
2. Stannous fluoride
3. Acidulated phosphate fluoride

31. Professionally Applied Fl
• The professionally fluoride may be in the form of:
• Varnish
• Gel
• Foam
• Solution
• Slow releasing device
• These can be applied using the Paint on Technique or the Tray
Technique.

32. Knutson’s Technique - NaF
• Named after Knutson JW in 1942. Because of his extensive work on topical
fluoride.
• This is a form of topical fluoride application with 2% Sodium Fluoride used
at a pH of 7.
• 2gm of NaF powder is dissolved in 100ml distilled water.
• Stored in a plastic bottle, as it may react with the silica in a glass bottle to
form Silicon-Fluoride thus; reducing the availability of free active fluoride
for anti-caries action.

33. Knutson’s Technique - NaF
• The four visit procedure is recommended for ages 3,7,11 and 13 yrs,
coinciding with the eruption of different groups of primary and
permanent teeth.
• Thus, most of the teeth will be treated soon after their eruption,
maximizing the protection afforded by topical application.
•
There are 4 appointments for each visit spaced with a weekly interval.

34. Technique
• Teeth cleaned with aqueous pumice slurry, dry with compressed air
and teeth isolated either by quadrant or by half mouth.
• 2% NaF solution is painted on the teeth so that all surfaces are
visibly wet and allow to air dry for 3-4 minutes.
• Repeat for each of the isolated segments until all teeth are treated.
• 2nd, 3rd and 4th NaF application is done, not preceded by a
prophylaxis, is scheduled at intervals of approximately one week.

35. Advantages
• It is relatively stable when kept in a plastic container;
• The taste is well accepted by patients;
• The solution is non-irritating to the gingiva;
• It does not cause discoloration of tooth structure;
Disadvantages
• One major disadvantage of the use of Knutson’s technique is that the
patient must make 4 visits to the dentist within a relatively short
time.

36. Muhler’s Technique(stannous Fluoride)
• It was so named because of the extensive done by Muhler et al in 1947.
• They observed that stannous fluoride solution greatly reduced the rate of acid
dissolution and is 3times more effective than NaF in preventing dissolution of Ca
and P0₃ ions from the enamel.
• Fluoride concentration of 19500ppm Stannous fluoride at 8% and 10%
concentrations is used in Muhler’s technique.
• A fresh solution of stannous fluoride is prepared for each patient as a result of the
unstable nature. It forms tin hydroxide soon after mixing and becomes cloudy.

37. Muhler’s Technique(stannous Fluoride)
• To prepare 8% stannous fluoride solution, the content of one capsule
which is 0.8 grams is dissolved in 10 ml of distilled water in a plastic
container.
Technique
• Thorough prophylaxis with pumice including the proximal surfaces.
• Isolation with cotton rolls and dry with compressed air.
• A quadrant or half of the mouth can be treated at a time.

38. • Apply freshly prepared 8% solution of SnF2 continuously to the teeth
with cotton applicators. So that the teeth are kept moist with the
solution for 4 minutes.
• A reapplication of the solution to a particular tooth is done every 15-30
seconds.
• Repeat applications are made every 6 months
Advantages
• Using an 8% stannous fluoride solution at 6 to 12 months intervals
conforms to the practicing dentist’s usual patient – recall system.

39. Muhler’s Technique(stannous Fluoride)
Disadvantages
• In aqueous solution the material is not stable
• 8% solution is quite an astringent and disagreeable in taste, its application
is unpleasant.
• The solution occasionally causes a reversible tissue irritation manifested by
gingival blanching.
• Causes pigmentation of teeth which has a characteristic light brown colour
especially hypocalcified areas and around margins of restorations.

40. Brudevold’s Technique - APF
• This follows the works done by Pameijer and Brudevold while comparing
the effectiveness of a solution of neutral NaF with a acidulated phosphate
fluoride (APF).
• They reported APF to be 50% more effective than neutral NaF as a
caries preventive agent.
• To prepare, 20 grams of sodium fluoride is disolved in 1L of 0.1 M
phosphoric acid and to this is added 50% hydrofluoric acid to adjust the ph
at 3.0 and fluoride ion concentration at 1.23%.
• The solution is also called Brudevold’s solution.

41. Brudevold’s Technique
• A gelling agent such as methylcellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose is added to the
solution.
• The pH is to be adjusted between 4-5
Need for a gelling agent
• teeth must be kept wet with solution for 4 minutes
• APF solution is acidic and bitter in taste so repeated application necessitates
the use of suction.
• chair application by one dentist or auxiliary becomes difficult
• increased chairside time
• APF is recommended for application at 6 or 12 months interval

42. • APF gel may be applied in the same manner as topical solution as described
above.
• It can also be used by self application and children can be trained for this.
Using a variety of self re-usable or disposable trays in various sizes together
with sponge like tray liners are available.
Advantages
• It is stable when stored in plastic container
• No staining of teeth
• Gels can be self applied
• Requires only 2 applications in a year;

43. Brudevold’s Technique
Disadvantages
• Repeated exposure of porcelain or composite to APF can lead to loss
material, resulting in surface roughness and cosmetic changes
• It is acidic, sour and bitter in taste
• It cannot be stored in glass containers

44. Fluoride Varnishes
• A fluoride varnish is a professionally applied adherent material.
• It is formulated to hold fluoride in close contact with the tooth for
a period of time.
• It permits the application of high fluoride concentrations in small
amounts of material
• Varnishes typically contain high concentrations of fluoride and are for
professional application only.

45. Fluoride Varnishes
• When painted on the tooth surface, it act as fluoride depot from which
Fl ions are continuously released.
• It is also not quickly washed away by saliva.
• This allow the Fl ion to interact with the hydroxyapatite crystal over a
long period of time.
• Hence leads to deeper penetration and significant anti-caries effect.

46. Fluoride Varnishes
• It is applied sparingly with a cotton bud and a small pea-size amount is
sufficient for a full mouth application in children up to 6 years.
• Fluoride varnishes are particularly useful in children with special need.
• Also useful when fluoride is needed to target specific tooth surfaces
e.g. exposed surfaces of roots, incipient carious lesions or the margins
of restorations.

47. Fluoride Varnishes
• Fluoride varnishes are safe because the amount of varnish usually used is
0.3 – 0.5 ml which delivers only 3-6 mg fluoride.
• Patient should be instructed not to chew or brush for at least 1 hours after
varnish application.
• Many fluoride varnishes contain colophony which may cause a sensitivity
reaction.
• Hence, colophony-containing varnishes are contraindicated in unstable
asthmatics, atopic children, and those allergic to Elastoplast (contains
colophony)

48. Fluoride Varnishes
• Example of commercially available fluoride varnishes include:
• 5% sodium fluoride(Duraphat)
• 0.9% difluorosilane (fluor protector)
• 6% sodium fluoride
• 6% calcium fluoride (56,300 ppm F)

49. Fluoride Varnishes
Technique
• Oral prophylaxis is done.
• Teeth are dried and isolated.
• First lower arch is taken up for application and then the upper arch -
saliva collects rapidly on the lower arch.
• Small amount of varnish is dispensed (0.3ml to 0.5ml, or 2 drops, for
the entire dentition) to the applicator dish.
• Varnish sets rapidly when they come in contact with saliva, hence no
drying is necessary

50. Fluoride Varnishes
• Patient is made to sit with the mouth open for 4 minutes before
spitting to allow the varnish set on teeth which is further enhanced by
the moist environment created by saliva.
• Patients should be clearly instructed not to rinse or drink anything
for an hour.

51. Slow Releasing Devices
• In the past, many dental materials, such as amalgam, composites,
cements, acrylics, and fissure sealants, have had fluoride added.
• But either the fluoride release was short term
• Or the properties of the materials were adversely affected.
• Long term fluoride release by glass ionomer cement has been debated, even
with its fluoride recharging ability.
• The objective of a slow-release fluoride device is to produce a
consistent level of fluoride intra-orally, over a long period of time (1-2
years) without the need for regular professional involvement or patient
compliance.

52. Slow Releasing Devices
• There are three systems of slow-release F devices:
• the copolymer membrane type - developed in the United States
• and the glass bead - developed in the United Kingdom.
• More recently, a third type, which consists in a mixture of sodium
fluoride (NaF) and hydroxyapatite has been developed.
• The devices are usually attached to the buccal surface of a posterior
tooth either by direct bonding, or by means of an orthodontic band or
plastic bracket.

53. Slow Releasing Devices
• Although, there is evidence from in vivo trials that slow release
fluoride devices can produce a sustained increase in salivary fluoride
levels (Toumba et al., 2009)
• To date there is insufficient evidence from randomised control trials to
determine the caries-inhibiting effect of slow-release fluoride devices
(chong et al., 2014).

54. A fluoride slow-release glass device attached to the
buccal surface of the upper right first permanent
molar tooth
PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 5TH EDITION.
Schematic cross-sectional view of the copolymer
device, which originally had 8 mm in length, 3 mm in
width, and 2 mm in tickness.
Adapted from PESSAN et al 2008

55. Self Applied Topical Fluorides
• Dentifrices
• Mouth rinses
• Gels

56. Fluoride Dentifrices
• The first clinical trial of a fluoride dentifrices was initiated by Bibby in
1942.
• The active agent was Sodium Fluoride which had been added to a
conventional dentifrices containing Di-calcium phosphate as the
abrasive.
• In 1955, the stannous fluoride dentifrice became the first dentifrice
recognized by FDA [Food and Drug Administration] as an effective
tooth decay preventive product which was later accepted by ADA
[American Dental Association].

57. Fluoride Dentifrices
• The various fluoride compounds used in dentifrices :
• Sodium fluoride
• Stannous fluoride
• Monofluorophosphate
• Amine fluoride
• Brushing with fluoride toothpaste increases the fluoride concentration in
saliva 100- to 1,000-fold.
• This concentration returns to baseline levels within 1 to 2 hours

58. • Fluoride toothpastes available contain fluoride concentration ranging between
1,000 to 1,500 ppm and 450-500ppm for children 3years or less.
AAPD recommendations
• Tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste significantly reduces dental caries
prevalence in the primary dentition.
• Children less than 3years of age should use a smear or rice-size amount of
fluoridated toothpaste. (reduce the risk of fluorosis)
• For children age 3-6 years, a pea-size fluoridated toothpaste is recommended.
• They should have supervised tooth-brushing done twice daily.
• Rinsing after brushing should be kept to a minimum or eliminated altogether.

59. Smear and pea-sized toothpaste sizes.
AAPD Best practice guidelines – fluoride therapy 2018

60. Mouth rinses
• Concentration of fluoride in home mouth rinses varies from 225ppm-
900ppm.
• It can be used daily or weekly
• The AAPD in its guidelines refers to randomized trials supporting the
use of 0.2% sodium fluoride mouth rinse (900ppm F) to reduce caries
as part of a preventive regimen.

61. Mouth rinses
• The EAPD stipulates that supervised rinsing is more efficacious than
unsupervised rinsing.
• The children using the fluoride rinse should be older than
6 years. (risk of swallowing)
• The rinse should be held in the mouth for 1 minute
and then expectorated.
• That there is no evidence to support the efficacy of fluoride rinse in
primary teeth.
• In permanent teeth the rinse is efficacious in preventing caries.

62. Mouth rinses
• Fluoride rinses should be at a different time to tooth brushing inorder
to increase the frequency of fluoride exposure.
• Tooth brushing and rinsing with fluoride has been shown
to be additive.
• All orthodontic patients should be use a daily fluoride rinse to
minimize the risk of demineralization and white spot lesions.

63. Other Fluoride Topical therapy -
Silver diamine fluoride
• SDF is a colourless solution with an alkaline pH (pH 8–10).
• Its main components are
• Silver – antimicrobial agent
• fluoride – aids remineralization
• and ammonia. – stabilizes the solution
• It offers a therapeutic and preventive effect in the management of
dental caries in paediatric patient.

64. SDF
• These components have the following synergistic activity
• a bactericidal action on cariogenic microorganisms,
• promotion of mineralization,
• inhibition of demineralization of tooth hard tissues, and
• decrease of the destruction of the organic portion of the dentin

65. SDF
• On application to a carious lesion, two compounds are formed:
calcium fluoride and fluoroapatite.
• Calcium fluoride is loosely bound to the teeth and it can be considered
a reservoir of fluoride that will be released if a pH drop occurs.
• Silver phosphate can also act as a reservoir of phosphate ions for the
next caries challenge

66. SDF
• The fluorhyapatite is formed when fluoride is incorporated into the
hydroxyapatite crystals.
• It helps remineralization and makes the tooth more resistant to further
demineralization.
• Also, high concentration of fluorides can inhibit the formation of
biofilm, since fluoride can influence the carbohydrate metabolism and
the sugar uptake of the microorganisms

67. SDF
• The silver ions (Ag+) exert a great antimicrobial effect, killing or
interfering in the microorganisms’ metabolic processes.
Drawback
• The only reported side effects of SDF are that caries lesions stain
black after treatment, and it will temporarily stain the skin and mucosa
with contact.

68. Systemic fluoride
• They are ingested and circulate through the blood stream.
• They are incorporated into the developing teeth and provide a low
concentration of fluoride over a long period of time.
• Ingested fluoride such as fluoridated water and dietary supplements, may
contribute to a topical effect on erupted teeth.
• Before it is swallowed, while in he oral cavity,
• as well as a topical effect due to increasing salivary and gingival
crevicular fluoride secretion

69. Systemic fluoride
• The different types of Systemic fluorides are:
• Water Fluoridation
• Community Water Fluoridation
• School Water Fluoridation
• Salt Fluoridation
• Milk Fluoridation
• Fluoride tablets/ drops/ lozenges

70. Systemic fluoride
• Water fluoridation is the controlled addition of fluoride to a public water
supply to an optimum level for the prevention of dental caries.
• It is socially equitable, in that it is available to all social groups and ages.
• One of the most important and successful public health intervention.
• Other fluoride supplements such as fluoride in milk and salt, fluoride tablet,
lozanges and drops are recommended for children who are not exposed to
fluoridated water

71. AAPD guidelines on dietary fluoride supplementation schedule
AGE FLUORIDE IN DRINKING
<0.3 ppm F 0.3 to 0.6 ppm F >0.6 ppm F
Birth to 6 months 0 0 0
6months to 3years 0.25mg 0 0
3 to 6 years 0.50mg 0.25mg 0
6 to at least 16 years 1.00mg 0.5mg 0

72. POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF FLUORIDE
• Fluoride is often called a double-edged sword.
• This is because inadequate ingestion of fluoride will not prevent dental
caries and an excessive intake of fluoride can lead to dental and
skeletal fluorosis.

73. Acute Toxicity
• Acute fluoride toxicity results from rapid excessive ingestion of
fluoride.
• The speed and severity of the response are dependent on the amount
of fluoride ingested and the weight and age of the child.
• Studies have found that a single ingestion of just 0.1-0.3 mg/kg.
• A child weighing 10 kilograms, therefore, can suffer symptoms of
acute toxicity by ingesting just 1 to 3 milligrams of fluoride in a single
sitting.
• 1 to 3 mgs of fluoride is found in just 1 to 3 grams of toothpaste (less
than 3% of the tube)
• Acute lethal dose is 15mg/kg body weight.

74. Symptoms
symptoms of ACUTE fluoride toxicity include:
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramps.
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Increased salivation
• Dehydration and thirst.

75. Management
• Induce vomiting with emetics.
• Reduce bioavailability:
1% calcium chloride
Calcium gluconate
Milk

76. Chronic Toxicity
• Chronic fluoride toxicity results from long term ingestion of small amounts
of fluoride.
• The effect of chronic fluoride toxicity on enamel is dental fluorosis.
• Other problems such as skeletal fluorosis may also occur.
• Effect dosages duration:
• Dental fluorosis >2 times optimal until 5 years
• Skeletal fluorosis 10-25 mg/day 10-20 years.

77. Conclusion
• Fluoride has been contributing to the improvement of the dental health
of persons all over the world.
• Fluoride when used appropriately, is a safe and effective agent that
can be used to prevent and control dental caries.
• Practitioners should concentrate on recommending for their patients,
agents or methods that provide frequent low moderate fluoride
concentration rather than rely on infrequently applied high
concentrations of fluoride.

78. References
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• Textbook of paediatric dentistry. Welbury, Duggal and Hossey. 5th edition. Oxford
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, A.J. Rugggunn , H. Whelton and G.M. Whitford

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80. Thank You