Navigation und Service

BgVV recommends the use of fluoridised table salt for caries prophylaxis

10/1999, 01.07.1999

No health impairment when used properly

Magazines for the public at large repeatedly point out the risks seemingly associated with fluoridised table salt. The Federal Institute for Health Protection of Consumers and Veterinary Medicine, BgVV, points out that there is no health risk to consumers from fluoride amounts taken in through fluoridised table salt (0.25 mg fluoride je g salt). On the contrary, numerous scientific studies confirmed that the additional intake of fluoride e.g. through drinking water or fluoridised table salt is an important part of effective caries prophylaxis.

Despite the awareness campaigns, caries is still a major problem in Germany. BgVV, therefore, explicitly recommends the use of fluoridised table salt as an additional measure within the framework of caries control.

In general, caries prophylaxis should be undertaken in three ways:

• rigorous oral hygiene
• restriction of sugar consumption particularly in the form of sticky snacks
• use of fluoride. Fluoride can be administered locally (toothpaste) and systemically (fluoridised table salt, fluoride supplements, fluoride-containing mineral/table water with (0.7mg fluoride/L). In order to avoid dental fluorisis, use should only be made of systemic application.

Fluoride is a normal component in the organism and also in foods and drinking water. In the body it promotes the strengthening of dental enamel. As in Germany, aside from a few exceptions, the content of fluoride in drinking water and in the soil is relatively low, the daily fluoride intake from drinking water and food is far lower than the amount recommended for individual population groups by WHO and the German Society for Nutrition.

Table: Recommended daily intake of fluoride for caries prophylaxis

Constant fluoride intake by children up to the age of 6-8 years, which amounts to twice the appropriate intake, can lead to minor, white enamel stains which are not linked with any health disadvantages. In the case of greater overdose there may be marked brown discolouring of teeth. Fluoride intake, which leads to skeletal fluorisis (10-25 mg fluoride per day over at least 10 years) cannot occur through the use of fluoridised table salt (this would require a salt intake of 40 to 100 g salt per day).

As Germany is an iodine deficiency region, it is recommended that fluoridised table salt which also contains iodine be used within the framework of caries prophylaxis.

Since 1992 table salt for home use has been on the market in Germany which is both fluoridised and also iodised. In order to give people who go to mass catering facilities the opportunity to benefit from this form of caries prophylaxis, the Federal Ministry of Health has issued several exemptions to mass catering facilities to use fluoridised and iodised table salt in the production of food under official control and after corresponding information to the consumer.

Up