Keywords
Fluoridation
Dental care
Public health
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Abstract
Objective: To analyze the impact of water fluoridation on reducing the prevalence of caries in pediatric patients. Methods: This is an integrative review, conducted through a search in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, using the descriptors "Dental caries", "Fluoridation", "Dental care" and "Public health", as well as their English and Spanish equivalents. The temporal filter adopted covered the last 5 years, in order to gather updated evidence on the impact of water fluoridation on the prevalence of caries in pediatric patients and its implications for public health. Results: Fluoridation of public water supplies has a significant impact on reducing the prevalence of dental caries in children, being widely recognized as an effective and low-cost oral health prevention strategy. Studies indicate that municipalities with fluoridated water supply have lower caries rates when compared to those without this preventive measure. Final considerations: Fluoridation contributes to health equity by reducing social inequalities related to access to fluoridated products and dental services. However, some literature highlights methodological limitations in certain studies, such as sample heterogeneity and lack of standardization in diagnostic criteria for caries.
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