Many common medicines can reduce saliva. That matters because saliva helps wash away food, buffer acids, and protect tooth enamel. When saliva stays low, the risk of cavities rises over time.

Dry mouth does not mean you will definitely get decay. But if it starts after a new medicine, or if it keeps happening, it is worth treating as an early warning sign and reviewing your cavity risk.

Recent primary-care research also found an association between xerostomia, medication use, and polypharmacy, but it did not prove that one specific medicine is always the only cause.

What saliva does, and why low saliva raises cavity risk

Saliva helps clear food debris, neutralize acids after eating, and support the tooth surface between meals. When there is less saliva, acids and plaque can stay active longer.

That is why someone with dry mouth may need a more deliberate prevention plan even if they brush twice a day.

What to ask your dentist, pharmacist, or prescribing clinician

Do not stop or change a prescription on your own. If your mouth feels dry, it is reasonable to ask questions at your next dental or medical visit.

• Which of my medicines may be linked with dry mouth?
• Does my dry mouth put me at higher cavity risk?
• Should I use a different fluoride product or come in more often for prevention?
• Should I also discuss this with my pharmacist or prescribing clinician?

Those questions can help your care team build a plan that fits your overall health needs.

What a fluoride-based prevention plan can include

Fluoride is an important part of caries prevention for people at higher risk. A plan may include fluoride toothpaste, professional fluoride varnish, and in some cases a dentist-guided fluoride rinse or another fluoride product.

The right mix depends on your age, cavity history, and how severe the dry mouth is. Fluoride is not a for dry mouth, but it can help lower the chance that low saliva turns into decay.

When to book a dental visit sooner

Book a dental visit sooner if dry mouth is persistent, especially if you also notice:

• new tooth sensitivity
• frequent new cavities
• trouble chewing or swallowing dry food
• mouth soreness, cracking, or burning

Those symptoms do not prove a major problem, but they are a good reason to get ahead of decay before it starts.

Local next step in Hamilton: routine prevention and follow-up

If you are in Hamilton, routine preventive care is a practical next step. Excel Dental’s general dentistry visits can help review cavity risk, fluoride options, and home care. If dry mouth started after a medication change, it is worth mentioning at your next visit.

Key sources

• Dry Mouth: causes and tooth-decay risk
• Fluoride and oral health
• Canadian Dental Association: Fluoride

This article is for general education only and does not replace personalized advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed dentist.

If a medicine seems to be contributing, do not stop, start, or change the prescription on your own. Talk with the prescriber or a pharmacist first, then bring the dental side of the question to your next visit.

What to do every day

When saliva is low, the most useful prevention steps are usually simple and consistent:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps protect enamel and can lower cavity risk.
• Spit after brushing and avoid rinsing right away. That helps fluoride stay on the teeth longer.
• Keep flossing or using interdental cleaners. Dry mouth can make plaque stick more easily between teeth.
• Ask whether you need a higher-fluoride option. Depending on your risk, a dentist may suggest a fluoride rinse, a prescription fluoride product, or in-office fluoride varnish.
• Limit frequent sugar exposure. Frequent sugary drinks, snacks, and sweets can feed cavity-causing bacteria when saliva is already low.

What may help with comfort

Some people find that sugar-free gum or xylitol helps stimulate saliva a little. That can be useful for comfort and may support cavity prevention for some patients, but it is not a -all and it does not replace fluoride.

Saliva substitutes can also help with dryness, especially for talking, sleeping, or eating. They may make the mouth feel better, but they do not replace dental prevention or regular follow-up.

What a dentist may look for

At a dental visit, we can check for early signs of decay, dry tissue, enamel wear, and areas that may need closer monitoring. That is often the best time to build a prevention plan before a cavity starts. Depending on your risk level, that plan may include stronger fluoride support, home-care changes, or shorter follow-up intervals.

When to book an exam

Book a dental exam if dry mouth is persistent, if you are getting new sensitivity, if you seem to be developing cavities more often, or if your mouth feels sore, sticky, or hard to keep comfortable. If you think a medication is part of the picture, ask your prescriber or pharmacist what should be reviewed.

If you are in Hamilton and want a calm, prevention-first checkup, Excel Dental can help you review your cavity-risk questions and plan next steps. Learn more through our general dentistry page, or contact us to book a visit.

Key sources

• Health Canada: Fluorides and Human Health
• MedlinePlus: Dry Mouth
• Canadian Dental Association: Fluoride
• American Dental Association: Xerostomia

This article is for general education only and does not replace personalized advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed dentist.

If you choose toothpaste by active ingredient instead of front-label marketing, the decision gets much easier.

For most people, the starting point is fluoride toothpaste for cavity prevention. If sensitivity is the main problem, look for a toothpaste with a recognized desensitizing ingredient and give it time to work. If gums bleed easily or early gingivitis is part of the picture, a stannous fluoride toothpaste may be worth considering because it can help with plaque and gingival inflammation while still offering cavity protection.

Why toothpaste labels feel confusing

Many toothpaste claims are really about different goals. One tube may focus on whitening. Another may focus on sensitivity. Another may focus on gum health. That does not mean every toothpaste does every job equally well.

A good rule in the store is this: flip the box over and read the active ingredient panel. The active ingredient usually tells you more than the large print on the front.

Step 1: Decide your main goal

1) If your main goal is cavity prevention

Choose a fluoride toothpaste. The Canadian Dental Association supports the appropriate use of fluoride and recognizes it as safe and effective for preventing tooth decay when used as recommended. For everyday use, fluoride is the baseline choice for most children, teens, and adults.

That matters because cavities are not prevented by toothpaste texture, flavour, or packaging. The anticavity benefit comes from the fluoride.

If you are at higher cavity risk, toothpaste is still only one part of prevention. Diet, dry mouth, snacking frequency, home care habits, fluoride exposure, and regular dental follow-up still matter.

2) If your main goal is sensitivity relief

Look for a toothpaste with an active ingredient aimed at dentin hypersensitivity rather than a vague “sensitive” claim on the front. The American Dental Association notes that desensitizing ingredients may include agents such as stannous fluoride, potassium-based ingredients, or arginine-based formulas. Research suggests that several of these can help reduce sensitivity for some people, but results vary and study quality is mixed.

That means two things:

• Some sensitivity toothpastes do help.
• Not every product works the same way or equally well for every person.

Sensitivity toothpaste usually works best with consistent twice-daily use over time, not after one brushing. If the cause of sensitivity is exposed roots, enamel wear, gum recession, a cracked tooth, or a cavity, toothpaste may reduce symptoms but will not diagnose or fully correct the underlying issue.

3) If your main goal is gum care

If you are noticing mild bleeding when brushing or flossing, plaque buildup, or early gum irritation, a toothpaste with stannous fluoride may be a reasonable evidence-based option. In addition to cavity protection, systematic review evidence suggests stabilized stannous fluoride dentifrices can reduce plaque and gingivitis measures compared with control products.

Still, bleeding gums should not be dismissed as normal. Toothpaste can support home care, but it does not tell you why the gums are bleeding. Plaque-related gingivitis is common, but bleeding can also happen with tartar buildup, brushing changes, gum recession, mouth breathing, appliance irritation, or other concerns that need an exam.

Step 2: What ingredient to look for on the label

Here is the practical shopping shortcut:

• For cavities: look for fluoride.
• For sensitivity: look for a recognized desensitizing active ingredient, not just marketing words.
• For gum bleeding or early gingivitis concerns: stannous fluoride may offer added plaque and gingivitis benefit while still helping prevent cavities.

If you are choosing between a whitening toothpaste and a sensitivity toothpaste, sensitivity usually deserves priority when teeth or roots are already reactive. Some whitening formulas can feel more irritating for certain people, especially if teeth are already sensitive.

Step 3: What to expect and how long to try it

Toothpaste is not an instant fix. In general, it makes sense to use the product consistently, twice a day, for a few weeks before deciding whether it is helping, unless it is making symptoms worse.

Reasonable expectations:

• Fluoride toothpaste: supports ongoing cavity prevention with regular use.
• Sensitivity toothpaste: may gradually reduce sensitivity, but not always completely.
• Stannous fluoride toothpaste: may help with plaque and mild gingival inflammation over time as part of good brushing and flossing habits.

If pain is sharp, localized, waking you up, triggered on one side only, or lingering after hot or cold, that is less likely to be a toothpaste-only problem.

For children and teens: fluoride amounts and supervision

For families, fluoride guidance should be age appropriate. The Canadian Dental Association advises that young children use only small amounts of fluoride toothpaste and that brushing be supervised.

• Under age 3: fluoride toothpaste may be recommended based on cavity risk and dentist guidance.
• Age 3 to 6: use only a small amount.
• Older children and teens: continue using fluoride toothpaste and supervise or monitor brushing until they can spit well and brush thoroughly.

If you are not sure how much toothpaste your child should use, or your child tends to swallow toothpaste, that is a good question to bring to a checkup.

Red flags that mean book a dental exam

Toothpaste can help with prevention and symptom support, but it cannot diagnose the cause of pain, bleeding, or recession. Please book a dental exam if you have:

• new or severe sensitivity
• pain that lingers after hot, cold, or sweets
• one-sided sensitivity
• swelling
• visible decay or a dark spot on a tooth
• gum recession
• ongoing bleeding when brushing or flossing
• a chipped tooth, cracked tooth, or recent dental trauma

These signs may point to a cavity, worn enamel, exposed root surfaces, gum disease, a cracked tooth, or another issue that needs a proper exam.

A simple way to choose

If you want the shortest version of this guide, use this:

• Main goal = cavity prevention: choose fluoride toothpaste.
• Main goal = sensitivity: choose a toothpaste with a desensitizing active ingredient and use it consistently.
• Main goal = gum care with bleeding or early gingivitis concerns: consider stannous fluoride.

And in every case, read the active ingredient panel, not just the front of the box.

A calm Hamilton next step

If you are in Hamilton and you are not sure whether your symptoms sound like simple sensitivity, early gum irritation, enamel wear, or a cavity, Excel Dental can help review your symptoms and examine the area. A checkup can clarify whether changing toothpaste is a reasonable next step or whether something more specific needs attention.

Sources

• CDA Fluoride Position Statement
• ADA Toothpastes
• Systematic Review: Desensitizing Toothpastes for Dentin Hypersensitivity
• Systematic Review: Stabilized Stannous Fluoride and Gingivitis
• CDA Fluoride and Oral Health
• ADA Fluoride Clinical Guidelines
• Cda Adc
• Cda Adc
• Medlineplus
• Pubmed
• Pubmed
• Cda Adc

This article is for general education only and does not replace personalized advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed dentist.

A lot of people notice the same pattern: their mouth starts feeling dry, and then cavities seem to show up more often. That is not your imagination.

Saliva does more than keep your mouth comfortable. It helps wash away food debris, buffers acids, and supports the early repair of tooth surfaces after everyday acid attacks from meals and drinks. The American Dental Association notes that when salivary flow is reduced, the risk of tooth decay, sensitivity, and oral infections goes up.

That risk can be easy to miss at first. You may still be brushing regularly, but if your mouth is dry most of the day or overnight, your teeth may lose some of their natural protection between brushings.

What dry mouth can feel like at home

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, does not feel the same for everyone. Common clues include:

• frequent thirst
• a sticky or pasty feeling in the mouth
• trouble swallowing dry foods
• waking up at night to sip water
• bad breath
• a burning feeling in the mouth or tongue
• changes in taste
• dry lips or a dry throat

Some people also notice that dentures feel less stable, or that their mouth feels sore even when they do not see an obvious problem.

If these symptoms keep happening for more than a few weeks, it is worth getting checked. Persistent dry mouth is not something to just brush off, especially if you already have fillings, crowns, gum recession, or a history of cavities.

Why saliva matters so much

Think of saliva as part of your mouth’s day-to-day defense system. It helps dilute sugars and acids, rinse away food particles, and protect both natural teeth and dental work.

When saliva is reduced, cavities may develop faster and in places that are harder to notice at home. In dry mouth, dentists often watch closely for decay:

• along exposed roots near the gumline
• around the edges of fillings, crowns, and bridges
• between teeth
• on biting edges or tips of teeth

Root surfaces deserve special attention. They are softer than enamel, so when roots are exposed by gum recession and the mouth is dry, root decay can progress more easily.

Medications are one of the most common reasons

For many adults, dry mouth is linked to medication side effects. The ADA Xerostomia overview lists many common prescription and over-the-counter medicines that can reduce saliva or make the mouth feel dry. Examples include some antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, decongestants, pain medicines, diuretics, and medicines with anticholinergic effects.

A 2025 study published as Xerostomia in Primary Care found a strong association between dry mouth and medication burden, especially in older adults and people taking several medicines at the same time. That does not mean age alone causes dry mouth. It does mean medication review is often a very practical next step.

Do not stop or change prescription medicines on your own. If your symptoms began after starting a new medicine, or if you take several medicines, ask your dentist, physician, or pharmacist to review the full list with you. In many cases, the goal is not to stop treatment but to see whether timing, dose, or alternatives should be discussed by the prescribing team.

Where cavities often show up in dry mouth

Dry mouth changes the pattern of decay risk. Some patients mainly get cavities between the teeth. Others develop them around existing restorations or on exposed root surfaces. If you have had gum recession, many past fillings, crowns, bridges, or root canal treated teeth, your dentist may look especially carefully at those areas.

This is one reason a quick visual check at home is not enough. Early root decay can be subtle, and dryness can also make sensitivity, plaque buildup, and gum inflammation worse.

The fluoride-first prevention ladder

If your mouth feels dry often, the best-supported prevention usually starts with fluoride. The exact level depends on your personal risk.

Step 1: Twice-daily fluoride toothpaste for everyone

For most adults and older children, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is the foundation. Health Canada supports fluoride toothpaste as an important part of decay prevention. If your mouth is dry, consistent brushing matters even more because your mouth may not be getting as much help from saliva between cleanings.

Technique matters too. Use a soft toothbrush, brush for two minutes, and try not to rinse aggressively right after brushing so the fluoride has more time to work on the teeth.

Step 2: Fluoride varnish for people at higher risk

If your dentist sees higher cavity risk, professionally applied fluoride varnish may be recommended. Health Canada notes that fluoride varnish helps prevent tooth decay in people who are at risk.

This can be especially helpful for patients with dry mouth, exposed roots, frequent new cavities, orthodontic appliances, or a lot of existing dental work. Varnish is not a guarantee against future decay, but it is one of the better-supported tools for people who need more than home care alone.

Step 3: Prescription 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste for selected high-risk adults

Sometimes standard over-the-counter toothpaste may not be enough. For selected high-risk adults, especially those with root-caries risk, a dentist may recommend prescription-strength 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste.

This is not automatically the right choice for everyone with a dry mouth. It is usually considered when the exam shows a higher risk pattern, such as exposed roots, active or recently treated root decay, multiple recent cavities, heavy restoration history, or significant ongoing dryness.

The evidence here is becoming stronger for high-risk adults. A 2025 clinical trial, Dynamics of Root Caries in Older Adults Using High-Fluoride Toothpaste, supported better stabilization of root caries in older adults using high-fluoride toothpaste. A 2026 systematic review and network meta-analysis, Toothpastes for Root Caries Systematic Review, found that high-concentration fluoride toothpaste performed best among toothpaste strategies studied for root-caries management.

That is useful and timely evidence, but it still needs to be applied carefully. It supports prescription high-fluoride toothpaste most clearly for higher-risk adults, not as a blanket recommendation for every person with occasional dryness.

What can help symptoms at home

Dry mouth care is not only about cavities. Comfort matters too. Some simple measures may help symptoms while also supporting prevention:

• sip water regularly through the day
• use sugar-free or xylitol gum if chewing gum is appropriate for you
• choose alcohol-free rinses if you use a mouthwash
• avoid frequent sipping of sweet or acidic drinks
• limit tobacco and alcohol exposure
• use a bedside water bottle if nighttime dryness is a problem

The ADA Xerostomia guidance notes that saliva substitutes, sprays, gels, lozenges, and sugar-free gum may help relieve symptoms. It is important to keep expectations realistic. These products mainly help comfort. They do not fix the underlying cause of dry mouth.

Also, be careful with habits that seem harmless but keep teeth under constant attack, such as sipping juice, pop, sports drinks, sweetened coffee, or lemon water throughout the day. In a dry mouth, frequent acid and sugar exposure can do more damage because there is less saliva available to buffer and clear it away.

When to book a dental visit soon

It makes sense to arrange a prompt dental assessment if any of these apply:

• your mouth has felt dry for more than a few weeks
• dry mouth started after a new medicine or a dose change
• you have exposed roots or gum recession
• you have many past cavities or frequent new ones
• you have a lot of fillings, crowns, or bridges
• you notice new sensitivity near the gumline
• you wake often because your mouth feels dry
• you wear dentures and they feel harder to tolerate

In the office, the goal is not only to confirm that the mouth feels dry. Your dentist will also look at where your cavity risk is highest, whether roots are exposed, whether existing dental work is at risk, and whether your prevention plan needs to be stepped up.

When to ask for a medical or pharmacy review

If you take several medicines, bring a full medication list to your dental appointment. That includes prescriptions, over-the-counter products, inhalers, sleep aids, allergy medicines, and supplements.

You should also ask your physician or pharmacist for a review if:

• dry mouth began after a medicine change
• you are taking multiple daily medicines
• you also have dry eyes or other persistent dryness symptoms
• you are struggling to eat, sleep, or speak comfortably because of dryness

Dry mouth can have several causes, and sometimes the picture is mixed. Medication effects are common, but persistent xerostomia may still need both dental and medical review.

Questions to bring to your next dental appointment

If you are not sure what level of prevention you need, these questions can help:

• Does my dry mouth put me at high cavity risk, or moderate risk?
• Are my main risk areas on the roots, between the teeth, or around old fillings and crowns?
• Would fluoride varnish help in my case?
• Am I a candidate for prescription 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste?
• Should I change anything about how I brush, rinse, snack, or hydrate?
• Do my medications make dry mouth more likely?
• Would you like me to ask my physician or pharmacist for a medication review?

The practical bottom line

If your mouth feels dry often, your cavity risk may be higher even if you brush every day. Saliva plays a big protective role, and when it is reduced, decay can show up faster, especially on exposed roots and around existing dental work.

For most people, prevention starts with fluoride toothpaste twice daily. If risk is higher, professionally applied fluoride varnish may add protection. And for selected high-risk adults, especially those with root-caries risk, prescription 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste may be worth discussing.

The right plan depends on your exam, your symptoms, your dental history, and your medication list. A focused visit can help identify where your risk is highest and whether standard toothpaste is enough for you.

Sources

• ADA Xerostomia
• Health Canada Fluoride and Oral Health
• Dynamics of Root Caries in Older Adults Using High-Fluoride Toothpaste
• Toothpastes for Root Caries Systematic Review
• Xerostomia in Primary Care
• Canadian Dental Care Plan Coverage
• Topical Fluorides in Root Caries Prevention
• Nice
• Pubmed
• Pubmed
• Pubmed
• Pubmed

This article is for general education only and does not replace personalized advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed dentist.

In our Hamilton office, one of the most common questions parents ask is how much fluoride toothpaste their child should use. Some families worry about cavities. Others worry about fluoride safety. Most just want clear, practical guidance they can trust.

The good news is that we have strong Canadian and international evidence to guide us. When used in the right amount for a child’s age, fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective and well-studied tools we have to prevent cavities. At the same time, using more than recommended in very young children can increase the risk of a cosmetic condition called dental fluorosis.

The key is not more fluoride. It is the right amount, used the right way.

How fluoride toothpaste helps prevent cavities

Cavities form when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and produce acids. These acids pull minerals out of tooth enamel in a process called demineralization. If this continues, a cavity can form.

Fluoride works mainly at the surface of the tooth. It helps in two important ways:

• Remineralization: Fluoride helps replace minerals lost from enamel, repairing early weak spots before they become cavities.
• Stronger enamel: It makes enamel more resistant to acid attacks in the future.

High-quality systematic reviews from Cochrane Oral Health show that fluoride toothpaste significantly reduces cavities in children and adolescents compared with non-fluoride toothpaste. This benefit is well supported by decades of research.

Canadian public health authorities, including the Government of Canada and the Canadian Dental Association, recommend fluoride toothpaste as a cornerstone of cavity prevention.

When to start and how much to use by age

According to Canadian guidance, brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. That often surprises parents, but early habits matter.

Here is a simple age-based guide for families:

From first tooth to age 3
Use a smear or rice-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. An adult should do the brushing or closely supervise. The goal is to clean the teeth and minimize swallowing.

Ages 3 to 6
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Continue active supervision. Children in this age group are still learning to spit effectively and may swallow toothpaste if not guided.

Age 6 and older
Most children can use a pea-sized amount and spit reliably, but supervision is still helpful to reinforce good technique.

Most children’s and adult toothpastes in Canada contain fluoride in the range of 1000 to 1450 parts per million. The right concentration for your child can depend on their age and cavity risk, so it is reasonable to confirm with your dentist.

Why supervision and spitting matter

Fluoride works best when it stays on the teeth. It does not need to be swallowed to be effective. In fact, swallowing larger amounts repeatedly in early childhood increases the risk of fluorosis.

For children under 6, supervision serves two purposes:

• Making sure the correct amount of toothpaste is used
• Helping the child learn to spit out excess toothpaste rather than swallow it

A helpful tip is to apply the toothpaste yourself rather than letting young children squeeze the tube. Store toothpaste out of reach between uses, just as you would with any health product.

Understanding dental fluorosis

Dental fluorosis occurs when too much fluoride is ingested while permanent teeth are still developing, typically under age 8. It affects how enamel forms.

In Canada, most fluorosis is mild. It usually appears as faint white streaks or spots that are often only noticeable to dental professionals. It is a cosmetic change, not a disease, and mild forms do not weaken the teeth.

More noticeable fluorosis is uncommon and generally linked to higher fluoride intake over time during early childhood. Using the recommended smear or pea-sized amount of toothpaste significantly lowers this risk.

The Canadian Dental Association and Public Health Ontario both emphasize that the cavity prevention benefits of fluoride toothpaste, when used as directed, outweigh the risk of mild fluorosis for most children.

Balancing benefits and risks

As a parent, it is reasonable to want both strong cavity prevention and safety. The evidence supports a balanced approach:

• Fluoride toothpaste clearly reduces cavities. This is supported by systematic reviews and national guidelines.
• Excess ingestion in early childhood can increase fluorosis risk.
• Using small, age-appropriate amounts and supervising brushing keeps risk low.

It is also important to remember that fluoride toothpaste is not the only preventive tool. Healthy eating habits, limiting frequent sugary snacks and drinks, regular dental visits, and good brushing technique all work together.

Evidence linking fluoride toothpaste to broader whole-body health effects is limited or mixed. Current Canadian and international guidelines focus on its well-established dental benefits when used appropriately.

Practical brushing tips for busy Hamilton families

• Brush twice daily, especially before bedtime.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush sized for your child’s mouth.
• Apply the toothpaste yourself for younger children.
• Encourage spitting, but do not worry if a small amount is swallowed occasionally.
• Avoid rinsing with large amounts of water right after brushing. A light spit without heavy rinsing helps fluoride stay on the teeth longer.
• Schedule your child’s first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth.

In our Hamilton practice, I also look at each child’s individual cavity risk. Children with frequent snacking, special health care needs, dry mouth, or a history of early cavities may need tailored advice.

Questions to ask your dentist

If you are unsure about fluoride use for your child, consider asking:

• What fluoride concentration is appropriate for my child?
• Is my child at higher risk for cavities?
• Should we consider additional fluoride treatments?
• How can we improve brushing technique at home?

Personalized guidance matters. Recommendations can vary depending on your child’s oral health, diet, medical history, and local water fluoride levels.

Prevention is about the right amount, used the right way

Fluoride toothpaste is one of the most effective, evidence-supported tools we have to prevent cavities in children and adults. Most fluorosis in Canada is mild and cosmetic, and the risk can be kept low by using a smear for children under 3 and a pea-sized amount for ages 3 to 6, with supervision.

Good oral hygiene is not about extremes. It is about consistency, proper technique, and using the right amount for your stage of life. If you have questions about your child’s brushing routine, we are always happy to review it together and help you feel confident in your approach.

Author: Dr. Chenxin (Cindy) Li, DDS, Hamilton, Ontario

Sources

• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/oral-health.html
• https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/Health-Topics/Health-Promotion/Oral-Health
• https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/about/position_statements/fluoride/
• https://oralhealth.cochrane.org/evidence
• https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/prevention-of-dental-caries-in-children-younger-than-age-5-years-screening-and-interventions1