A fluoretação da água de abastecimento público à luz da literatura

Abstract

Dental caries is still a major public health problem in Brazil, causing infections, pain and suffering, at all ages. Among preventive measures, the fluoridation of public water supplies for human consumption and one of the most recommended. The aim of this study was to analyze the scientific literature on the importance of fluoridation of water supply as a measure of population-based prevention of dental caries. We performed a literature review of scientific production in health, through a survey in the Virtual Library of Health, referring to the databases of BBO, LILACS and MEDLINE, with publications of 1992 to 2011. Among the undesirable effects of fluoridating the water supply is dental fluorosis. In Brazil there is legislation requiring municipalities to adopt this important preventative measure. It can be concluded that the fluoridation of public water supplies is a pretty important measure of population-based prevention of dental caries.