Fluoride supplementation (with tablets, drops, lozenges or chewing gum) in pregnant women for preventing dental caries in the primary teeth of their children.

Background: Dental caries (tooth decay) is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases. Caries prevalence in most industrialised countries has declined among children over the past few decades. The probable reasons for the decline are the widespread use of fluoride toothpaste, followed by artificial water fluoridation, oral health education and a slight decrease in sugar consumption overall.

Feasibility of eradication of mutans streptococci from oral cavities.

Objectives: Dental caries prevention programs using chlorhexidine (CHX) have been proposed, but CHX's effect in reducing levels of mutans streptococci (S. mutans and S. sobrinus) appears to last for only a few months.