Consensus of the symposium promoted by Associação Gaúcha de Odontopediatria about risks and benefits of fluoride dentifrices in primary childhood

Abstract

This Consensus reports the conclusions from the Symposium promoted by the Associação Gaúcha de Odontopediatria (AGOPED) conducted in September 2012 with the title Fluoride Dentifrices in Primary Childhood: Risks and Benefits. The conclusions of the Symposium were as follows: based on the best available scientific evidence about strategies to control dental caries, it is recommended that a fluoride dentifrice of at least 1100 ppm of fluoride be used two times a day as an adjuvant for tooth cleaning by all children; during the phase in which children are not able to self-care, the use of fluoride dentifrice is a parents’ responsibility warranting greater safety about dental fluorosis; it is also recommended that only a small amount of dentifrice (pea size) should be used for children under 2 years of age.