BSPD welcomes WHO inclusion of fluoride preparations on children’s medicine list 

BSPD welcomes the announcement made by WHO to include fluoride containing preparations in their  essential medicine list for children. This is a new development which reflects the recognition of oral health as  an important aspect of children’s overall health and wellbeing.  

The report of the 23rd WHO expert committee into the ‘Selection and Use of Essential Medicines’ notes the  burden of oral diseases, particularly untreated dental caries, which represent a significant public health  problem globally. The new WHO recommendation is that “the listing should be amended to ‘fluoride’, noting  that topical fluoride-containing preparations utilize fluoride in a variety of forms. Fluoride toothpaste is  recommended for inclusion as a specifically defined formulation of fluoride (paste, cream or gel containing  between 1000 and 1500 ppm fluoride (any type)), because of its proven effectiveness in preventing dental  caries and for better control of quality of fluoride content.” 

Professor Sondos Albadri, President, BSPD said: “We are pleased to note the inclusion of fluoride containing  dental preparations in the WHO essential medicines list. As paediatric dentists, we have all seen the benefits  of these management options. This recognition and inclusion now by WHO, will hopefully encourage their  implementation to improve the oral health of disadvantaged and vulnerable children worldwide.” 

The list also includes Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF). In 2020, BSPD issued guidance and support materials  on the use of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) as a management option to help arrest dental caries in children  (see hyperlink in notes to editors).  

BSPD has been campaigning for improving standards in children’s oral health in the UK for almost 70 years.  Today the Society has over 800 members made up of dental professionals with an interest in Paediatric  Dentistry including dentists, Dental Care Professionals (DCPs), dental and DCP students and international  members.  

For further information, contact Kate Clark, BSPD PR Consultant 

kate@kateclarkpr.co.uk / 07990 525639