Fluoride prospects for the new millennium-community and individual patientaspects

Over the par 2 decades, it has been suggested that with the generalized ava ilability of fluoridated dentifrices, and coupled with a possible increased likelihood of fluorosis, the benefits of community-based fluoridation have receded. However, while this may bt so for dentally motivated populations, there are convincing data to suggest that the least fortunate amongst us c ould still benefit from communally delivered fluoride. Furthermore, the del eterious effects of such program withdrawals Rls hale been demonstrated and , with respect to, fluorosis fears, client assessment cif their own fluoros is status has indicated few concerns. Alternative, centrally delivered mean s of fluoride dispensing, e.g. via schools, etc., although effective in the short-term, ale impractical ol er longer time-spans. Nonetheless, at the i ndividual level, fluoride supplements and dentifrices, in particular, are s uccessful caries inhibitors. This is especially so if these vehicles are em ployed in their most effective, proven manners. Finally, fears relating to disfiguring fluorosis should be alla)ed, but effective fluoride abuses resu lt in mild mottling, a simple remineralizing technique obviates the need fo r traumatic restorative procedures.