Fluoride toothpastes are effective in preventing dental caries in children and adolescents, according to a systematic review of 74 studies. The review found that fluoride toothpaste reduced caries increment by 24% compared to placebo, with the most significant effect in populations with higher baseline caries levels. The effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste was influenced by factors such as higher fluoride concentration, more frequent use, and supervised brushing, but not by exposure to fluoridated water. However, there is limited information on the effects of fluoride toothpaste on deciduous dentition and potential adverse effects like fluorosis. The review concluded that fluoride toothpastes are effective in preventing caries, supported by over 50 years of research. The review also highlighted the importance of proper use, such as brushing twice daily, and the need to supervise young children to prevent accidental ingestion of fluoride. The review found that the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste was not significantly affected by the presence of other fluoride sources, but the risk of fluorosis may increase with higher fluoride concentrations. The review also noted that the use of fluoride toothpaste in fluoridated areas may offer more protection than either alone. The review emphasized the need for further research on the long-term safety and effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste, particularly in relation to fluorosis and the optimal concentration and frequency of use. The review also highlighted the importance of proper study design and the need for more rigorous research to better understand the effects of fluoride toothpaste on caries prevention and safety.Fluoride toothpastes are effective in preventing dental caries in children and adolescents, according to a systematic review of 74 studies. The review found that fluoride toothpaste reduced caries increment by 24% compared to placebo, with the most significant effect in populations with higher baseline caries levels. The effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste was influenced by factors such as higher fluoride concentration, more frequent use, and supervised brushing, but not by exposure to fluoridated water. However, there is limited information on the effects of fluoride toothpaste on deciduous dentition and potential adverse effects like fluorosis. The review concluded that fluoride toothpastes are effective in preventing caries, supported by over 50 years of research. The review also highlighted the importance of proper use, such as brushing twice daily, and the need to supervise young children to prevent accidental ingestion of fluoride. The review found that the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste was not significantly affected by the presence of other fluoride sources, but the risk of fluorosis may increase with higher fluoride concentrations. The review also noted that the use of fluoride toothpaste in fluoridated areas may offer more protection than either alone. The review emphasized the need for further research on the long-term safety and effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste, particularly in relation to fluorosis and the optimal concentration and frequency of use. The review also highlighted the importance of proper study design and the need for more rigorous research to better understand the effects of fluoride toothpaste on caries prevention and safety.