ORCA POSITION STATEMENTS

ORCA statement on the use of fluoride in dental products and public health interventions

1. Fluoride is one of the most effective, extensively studied, and evidence-based agents to prevent and control dental caries. Over 75 years of scientific evidence shows that fluoride helps protect teeth and reduce carious lesions across all ages.
2. When used as recommended, fluoride in dental products and public health strategies, is safe for both children and adults. Extensive reviews by international dental and public health organizations consistently confirm that routine fluoride use stays well within safe exposure levels.
3. Fluoride remains the gold standard for caries prevention and management. No alternative preventive agent has shown equivalent long-term effectiveness, making it an essential intervention for maintaining oral health and reducing the need for operative dental treatment.
4. Fluoride can effectively reduce oral health inequalities in vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

The Organization for Caries Research (ORCA) supports continued access to fluoride incorporated in affordable dental products and public health strategies.

 

Essential bibliography

– Walsh T, Worthington HV, Glenny AM, et al. Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;CD007868.

– Schwendicke F, et al. Managing carious lesions: consensus recommendations on caries management. Caries Res. 2016;50:1–9.

– Featherstone JDB. The science and practice of caries prevention. J Am Dent Assoc. 2000;131:887–899.

– World Health Organization. Fluoride and oral health. WHO Technical Report Series. Geneva; 2016.

– EAPD Policy Document. Best clinical practice guidance on the use of fluoride in children. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2019;20:507–516.