Benefits and risks of fluoride supplements of Brazilian market

• Autor(a) principal: Rebelo, Maria Augusta Bessa
• Data de Publicação: 2014
• Outros Autores: Fernandez-Alves, Caroline Saldanha, Bulcão, Lívea Nancy, Cury, Jaime Aparecido
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Vigilância Sanitária em Debate
• Texto Completo: https://visaemdebate.incqs.fiocruz.br/index.php/visaemdebate/article/view/206
• topic: Pre-Natal Fluoride; Post-Natal Fluoride; Dental Caries; Dental Fluorosis; Fluoride Supplements; Flúor Pré-Natal; Flúor Pós-Natal; Cárie Dentária; Fluorose Dentária

Since the use of any medicine should be based on evidence of its benefits and risks, the aim of this study was to evaluate the information contained in the leaflets provided with pre- and post-natal fluoride supplements found in the Brazilian market. Also, it was discussed the anticaries benefit and risk of dental fluorosis resulting from the use of these medications. The sample consisted of information leaflets of medications available on the Brazilian market, with 2 being for pre- and 6 post-natal use. The variables indication, contra-indication and dosage described in the leaflets were analyzed and compared with both the recommendations made by Brazilian and International institutions on the use of these medications, and with the present knowledge about how fluoride controls caries. It was found that there was incoherence between the indications and contra-indications in the information leaflets and the recommendations of institutions as regards these medications. Furthermore, the information was not consistent with present scientific knowledge about the benefits and risks of these medications. In addition, all the medications are formulated with a mixture of calcium salts and fluoride, suggesting that even if the use of these medications were important for control of caries, the fluoride present would not be bioavailable to exert its effect. It was concluded that it is necessary to perform a complete revision of Brazilian standardization of the pre- and post-natal use of fluoride supplements, in view of the inconsistencies found in the information leaflets of products for sale, whether in terms of their possible anticaries effect or risk of dental fluorosis.