Guidelines for the Use of Fluorides

Summary

The ‘Guidelines for the Use of Fluorides’ provide an evidence-based summary of current New Zealand and overseas evidence to inform best practice in the use of fluoride.

These guidelines address the use of topical fluoride treatments including fluoride toothpastes, fluoride varnishes, fluoride mouth rinses, fluoride gels and foams and also for the use of fluoride tablets.

An update to the guidelines recommends that 1,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste is used for children of all ages. A 2015 Cochrane review found limited evidence of any caries preventive effect following use of toothpaste with less than 1,000 ppm fluoride. More information is available on the Medsafe website:

• Fluoride Content in Toothpaste for Children