The importance of the continued use of fluoride in the reduction of dental caries in children.

Fluoride continues to be a safe and effective public health measure. In spite of a recent decline in caries reduction in the US due to the large number of supplemental fluorides available, water fluoridation remains a cost-effective method to prevent decay in children. Also, a review of the literature shows a lack of ill effects associated with fluoride use in children. Most recently, the United States Public Health Service continues to support fluoridation in terms of policy and research. In 1990, the US toxicology Program concluded there were no detrimental effects including cancer risk from fluoride use.