Journal of Dental Science and Medicine
Open Access

Abstract

Background: Fluoride intake is known in reducing the incidence of dental caries. Oral health actions are needed to provide sufficient fluoride intake either through systemic or topical action. The concentration of fluoride which can be taken according to the WHO standards in drinking water supply is 0.5-1.2 ppm depending on the climatic condition. Topical application can be also used in tooth pastes containing fluorides and in mouth washes as well in professional application in form of fluoride varnish. Neutral sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride and acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) application in form of gels and foams can also be used. A word of caution to be noted that excessive intake of fluoride causes tooth enamel and skeletal fluorosis following prolonged exposure to high concentrations. However only 40 countries use fluoride in their drinking water supply and others have completely stopped. The need of the hour is, whether fluoride in low concentration is permissible and if so its benefits should be carried forward in reducing dental caries?

Biography

Prof. Dr. Pervez A. Razak, completed his graduation and post-graduation from the prestigious Mangalore College of Dental Surgery, a constituent of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal. He is an academician in dental public health and is currently based as an invited lecturer at the Tbilisi State University and University of Georgia in the faculty of dentistry. He has also served as a faculty in Najran University and King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia. He actively promotes and coordinates oral health in school health programs and out reach community services. He has presented papers and has been a guest speaker at various national & inter-national conferences and student conventions. He is an active member in journals as an expert in review of articles. His areas of interest includes Epidemiology, Behavioral Sciences, Fluorides, Preventive and Oral Health. He is also member of Indian association of public health dentistry and fellow of Pierre Fauchard Academy.