The American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) recently issued a statement on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to withdraw prescription fluoride products for children.
Erin Haley-Hitz, R.D.H., B.D., M.D., FADHA, MAADH, the association’s current president, said the ADHA has taken note of the FDA’s latest announcement and reiterated that the association continues to support providing fluoride to children based on science and safe doses.
Haley-Hitz noted that any restrictions on fluoride use should be based on rigorous scientific evidence.
There is currently no research showing that low doses of fluoride can affect the intestinal flora, so the ADHA believes that the FDA’s decision lacks sufficient scientific basis.
She also emphasized that the decision came at a time when some states, such as Utah, stopped adding fluoride to community drinking water, which may make it more difficult to prevent tooth decay, especially in areas where dental care resources are scarce.
“Controlling sugar intake and maintaining good oral hygiene habits are important, but they are not enough to completely prevent tooth decay,” she said. “The use of fluoride and regular dental examinations remain the core measures for preventing tooth decay, especially for people who lack regular dental services.”
ADHA also mentioned that dental hygienists are currently adjusting their prevention strategies. This includes conducting personalized caries risk assessments and using a variety of methods such as topical fluoride, silver amine fluoride treatment, and targeted oral health education.
However, these measures often require the continued support of professional dental services, which is not available in all communities.
Haley-Hitz called on policymakers to face up to the far-reaching impact that this decision may have on the oral health of the American public, especially vulnerable groups, and advocated for improving the accessibility of preventive dental services to the public.
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