At what age should professionally-applied topical fluorides first be administered?

More than just a patient's age should be considered in determining the treatment regimen. A fluoride history should be taken on each patient and the decision based on: age; caries (tooth decay); level of water fluoridation; and additional fluoride exposure.

For most children, topical fluorides can be applied beginning at age three. In active and rampant caries groups, some clinicians have recommended topical applications as soon as the teeth erupt. Due to the porosity of newly erupted teeth, the primary dentition receives even greater anticariogenic benefits from fluoride than does the permanent dentition.

When topical applications are begun at an early age, precautions should be taken. These include: close monitoring of the amount of fluoride used; adequate evacuation during treatment to prevent ingestion; and thorough expectoration following treatment.

Suggest Source: Ripa, L.W. A Personalized Regimen of Multiple Fluoride Therapy for Child Patients. NY State Dent. J., 54 (2): 59-64,1994.