252H
Fig. 6.15 Pictogram of Mr
Happy-Tooth. This is the
protected logo of the
International Toothfriendly
Association to be seen on
products that have passed the
internationally accepted
toothfriendly test. (Reproduced
by kind permission of the
Association. Tooth friendly
Sweets International,
Hauptstrasse 63, CH-4102,
Binningen 1, Switzerland.)253H
Fig. 6.16 BDA logo, which indicates that the product
has been accredited by it (Reproduced by kind
permission of the British Dental Association,
Education and Science Department, British Dental
Association, 64 Wimpole Street, London W1M
8YS.).
6.4.3 Fluoride and caries control
The use of fluorides date back to as early as 1874 when the German Erharde
suggested the use of potassium fluoride tablets for expectant mothers and children in
order to strengthen teeth. This recommendation was without any scientific evidence.
What we now know to be dental fluorosis (mottling) was noted by dentists long ago
who reported on 'Colorado Stain' without the aetiology of the tooth defect being
established.
Mode of action of fluoride and the caries process
The mineral of tooth tissues exists as a carbonated apatite, which contains calcium,
phosphate, and hydroxyl ions, making it a hydroxyapatite [Ca 10 .(PO 4 ) 6 .(OH) 2 ].