The Philippine Pediatric Dental Society, Inc. (PPDSI), affirming that fluoride is a safe and effective adjunct in reducing the risk of caries and reversing enamel demineralization, encourages public health officials, health care providers, and parents/caregivers to optimize fluoride exposure.

The PPDSI recognizes that there is no water fluoridation in the Philippines except in certain areas in the province of Cavite. Effective systemic fluoridation can be achieved through the intake of daily fluoride supplements. Before supplements are prescribed, it is essential to review dietary sources of fluoride (e.g. all drinking water sources, consumed beverages, prepared food, toothpaste) to determine the patient’s true exposure to fluoride. It is aware of the other forms of systemic fluoride in the Philippines in the form of drops, fluoridated bottled water and as a part in a multi-vitamin syrup. Considering the potential for mild fluorosis, caution is advised for those who are given systemic fluoride. 

Since the majority of the Philippines has no water fluoridation, topical application of fluoride is highly recommended. Significant cariostatic benefits can be achieved by the use of over-the-counter fluoride-containing preparations such as toothpastes, gels, and rinses. Monitoring children’s use of topical fluoride-containing products, including toothpaste, may prevent ingestion of excessive amounts of fluoride.  Numerous clinical trials have confirmed the anti-caries effect of professional topical fluoride treatments, including 1.23 percent acidulated phosphate fluoride and 5 percent neutral sodium fluoride varnish.

The PDCP

1. encourages the toothpaste manufacturers to indicate in their labels the amount of fluoride concentration
2. encourages dental professionals to inform medical peers of the potential of enamel fluorosis when excess fluoride is ingested prior to enamel maturation
3. encourages the continued research on safe and effective fluoride products
4. supports the delegation of fluoride application to auxiliary dental personnel or other trained allied health professionals by prescription or order of a dentist after a comprehensive oral examination or by a physician after a dental screening has been performed
5. encourages all beverage manufacturers to include fluoride concentration with the nutritional content on food labels
6. recognizes that toothbrushing with a fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day and professional topical fluoride application at least twice a year will help in caries prevention