Fluoridation of public water supply: a literature review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The effects of fluoride on dental caries prevention were discovered in the first half of the 20th century. Currently the fluoridation of public water supply is one of the main measures to control caries at the population level. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to present a review of the narrative literature on the fluoridation of public water supply and its role in the control and prevention of dental caries in populations. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In order to carry out this review of the literature, scientific articles, theses and dissertations published in the Scielo, LILACS, BBO and MEDLINE databases were searched between 2000 and 2018, in Portuguese and English on fluoridation of water supply, with focus in the use of this technology in Brazil. We used the combination of keywords: fluoridation of water, oral health, dental caries and their correspondents in English: fluoridation of water, oral health, dental caries. RESULTS: The literature review was based on the development of important aspects of this public health measure, focusing on the Brazilian context. Thus, related historical aspects, as well as legal, technical, operational and ethical aspects were listed. The main mechanisms of action of fluoride in caries control, related mainly to the balance of the demineralization-remineralization process, and the effectiveness of water fluoridation in this control verified in recent studies were also evidenced. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Fluoridation of public water supply is a simple, low-cost collective oral health technology with scientifically proven efficacy.