The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) supports the appropriate use of fluoride. More than 50 years of extensive research demonstrates that fluoride is safe and effective in preventing dental caries (i.e., tooth decay). CDA recognizes and supports the use of fluoride in preventive treatments and as part of daily care products. CDA monitors the scientific literature examining the use of fluoride to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
To ensure that individual Canadians achieve optimal oral health, CDA recommends that patients:
- consult their dentist for i) an assessment of their risk of cavities and ii) for dentists' professional advice about daily products with fluoride (e.g., toothpastes, rinses, lozenges, chewable tablets, drops) that meet a patient's specific needs.
- Children should see the dentist no later than 12 months of age or within 6 months of getting their first tooth. Until age three (3), daily fluoride products are recommended if the child is determined to be at risk for caries.
- look for the CDA Seal when purchasing daily oral care products.
- discuss professional fluoride treatment (e.g., gels, 5% sodium fluoride varnish, 38% silver diamine fluoride) with their dentist.
- Unless recommended by their dentist or tied to a caries risk assessment, receive 5% sodium fluoride varnish only one time per 6-month period.
Additional information about your oral health and the special oral health needs of children can be found at:
http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/index.asp
CDA Board of Directors
Approved: February 2021
