Dental caries
- Fluoride confers significant resistance to dental caries and can be prescribed for patients who are at increased risk of caries or who are medically compromised.
- The topical action of fluoride is considered more important than its systemic effect.
- Additional protection can also be provided to patients by the use of fluoride varnish.
- Before prescribing, take into account whether the patient lives in an area where water is fluoridated, whether fluoride varnish has been applied and whether the patient uses fluoride rinses.