**Part 3**

**Caries Control and Prevention** 

188 Contemporary Approach to Dental Caries

Wenzel, A. (2001). Computer-automated caries detection in digital bitewings: Consistency of

Young, D.A. & Featherstone, J.D.B. (2005). Digital imaging fiber-optic trans-illumination, F-

20.

*Association*, Vol. 136, pp. 1682-1687.

a program and its influence on observer agreement. *Caries Research*, Vol. 35, pp. 12-

speed radiographic film and depth of approximal lesions. *Journal of American Dental* 

**10** 

**Effect of 1000 or More ppm Relative** 

*3Faculty of Odontology, Pediatric Dentistry Department,* 

**– A Systematic Review** 

Alexandra Saldarriaga Cadavid1,

*2Department of Epidemiology,* 

*CES University, Medellín* 

*Colombia* 

**to 440 to 550 ppm Fluoride Toothpaste** 

Rubén Darío Manrique Hernández2 and Clara María Arango Lince3 *1Faculty of Odontology, Pediatric Dentistry and Epidemilogy, Research Department,* 

During the last three decades a significant worldwide reduction – of dental caries has been observed. Experts agree that fluoride in its multiple presentations has played an important role, together with changes in oral hygiene habits among different populations. Fluoride toothpastes has gained interest as a relevant strategy in prevention because of its important role in dental caries reduction, that can reach up to 40% (7,8,14). However, at the same time, they have contributed to an increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis in children. There is concern about dental fluorosis related to the chronic intake of excessive quantities of fluoride in children under 6 years of age. Some authors have reported that the early use of fluoridated toothpastes in young children is a very important risk factor (13,17,22,33,34). Beside fluoride concentration, the duration and age of exposure are important factors in

In order to reduce the risk of dental fluorosis, the use of toothpaste with 440 to 550 ppm F in children less than six years old has been recommended (5). The efficacy of these toothpastes in reducing dental caries is still unknown and controversialy among the scientific community (1,3). In Colombia, the fluoride concentration of toothpastes for preschool children below the age of 6 years was limited several years ago to 500 ppm in order to

According to the Oral Health National Study (NSOH III)(13), the prevalence of dental fluorosis in Colombian children between 6 and 7 years old is 25.7%. The highest prevalence of moderate and severe dental fluorosis was found in Bogotá with 4.5% of the children being affected. Another study carried out in 2002 in four Colombian cities, to evaluate fluoride intake in 2 to 4 year olds from meals, beverages and toothpastes reported that in all cities except one, the total fluoride intake was above optimal limits (0.07 mgF/Kg of body weight) and even some were above the risk limit (0.1 mgF/Kg of body weight). From the three

**1. Introduction** 

fluorosis prevalence (2).

control dental fluorosis.
