Journal of Dental Research, Vol 66, 1084-1086, Copyright © 1987 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Topical fluoride therapy: discussion of some aspects of toxicology, safety, and efficacy
E. Newbrun
Although ingestion of an acute toxic dose of fluoride is extremely rare in
dental treatments, practitioners should be familiar with the signs and
symptoms and with emergency measures of treating accidental overdosage. The
amount of fluoride ingested chronically from the use of self-applied
topical fluoride can be reduced to safe limits by instructing parents to
dispense small amounts of toothpaste for their young children and to ensure
that fluoride dentifrices and mouthrinses are fully expectorated.
Similarly, when custom-fitted trays are used, only minimal amounts of
fluoride gels are necessary. The minimal amount of such gels that can be
dispensed appears to be influenced by their viscosity. Clinical efficacy
does not support a reduction in the concentration of fluoride in commercial
dentifrices.
