Fluoride Supplements for Systemic Effects in Caries Prevention

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Abstract
The first reports on artificial water fluoridation published in the early fifties stressed the importance of systemic, pre-eruptive fluoride. Twenty years ago, Arnold (1957) recognized the importance of posteruptive effects of waterborne fluoride for the first time. This is well illustrated by the following quotation: "Another observation of special interest in the Grand Rapids study is the result on the older age groups of children. When the study was started' it was generally assumed that the beneficial effects of fluoridation, if they did occur, would be observed in persons whose teeth were formed while the individual was using the fluoridated water supply. Little if any benefit was expected on teeth which had already been formed, at least to the extent of calcification of the coronal portion of the teeth. The results of the 16 year olds, for example, do not support this hypothesis. There have been definite and significant reductions in dental caries prevalence in this group of children. It is to be remembered that these children in most cases were those who presumably had the coronal portion of their permanent teeth already calcified when fluoridation started."

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