Daily use of fluoride toothpaste forms the foundation of
caries prophylaxis with fluorides, as it is readily available and,
when used regularly, continually provides fluoride ions for
caries-protective processes on the tooth’s surface. This cariesprophylactic
effect is evident in all age groups (Marinho et al.
2003a, c) and increases with increasing fluoride concentration
(Walsh et al. 2010). Several studies have shown that children’s
toothpastes with a fluoride content of 500 ppm are also effective
in terms of preventing caries (Stookey et al. 2004, Lima
et al. 2007). Especially in countries where other means of
fluoridation are implemented (e. g., table salt, drinking water),
only children’s toothpaste should be used in children up to
age 6 in order to prevent fluorosis caused by excess fluoride ingestion,
despite a recent Cochrane review to the contrary, which
recommends toothpaste with a fluoride content of 1000 ppm
and more (Walsh et al. 2010). Furthermore, it is known that
the effect of fluoride toothpaste increases with more frequent
toothbrushing (Marinho et al. 2003a). In addition, professionally
applied fluoride compounds, such as varnishes or gels, are
recommended especially where the caries risk is high (Marinho
et al. 2003a, b). Applied four times per year, this contributes
to an improved caries-preventive effect