The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry’s Board and Council has unanimously approved proposed guidelines on the use of fluoride in toothpaste for children.
It follows a six-month discussion period which aimed to achieve the highest level of consensus.
The consensus reached was that fluoride levels in toothpastes targeted at children aged six months to two years should have a concentration of 500ppm fluoride.
For children aged two to six years, the level should be 1000ppm, while for those aged over six years it should contain 1,450ppm.
Dental professionals should also ensure they recommend that children under six years only use a pea-sized amount and for those aged over six years an application no larger than 1-2cm.
The updated guidelines will appear shortly at the Academy’s site (www.eapd.gr) and will be published in the Academy’s official journal, European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry.
The EAPD also advocates that:
• An oral health assessment should take place in the first year of a child’s life
• An infant’s teeth should be brushed daily with a smear of fluoride toothpaste from the moment they erupt
• Professional application of fluoride varnish is recommended on primary dentition for those at high risk of early childhood caries (ECC).
The EAPD encourages professionals to give parents advice on how to reduce behaviours that promote the early transmission of Mutans Streptococci and to ensure they are aware that the frequent intake of sweetened drinks should be discouraged, especially at bedtime.
The recommendations to prevent the onset of ECC can be viewed at www.eapd.gr.
The 10th EAPD Congress in being held this week (4-6 June) at Harrogate International Conference Centre.