Promoting Oral Health. the Use of Salt Fluoridation to Prevent Dental Caries (PAHO Scientific Publications)

A new book from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) shows how salt fluoridation has proven to be one of the most cost-effective public health interventions in history and shows countries how to implement programs of their own. Promoting Oral The Use of Salt Fluoridation to Prevent Dental Caries was written by Saskia Estupin-Day, head of PAHO's Oral Health Program. The book traces the history of salt fluoridation, first used in Switzerland in the 1950s and later elsewhere in Europe and the Americas. It explains why the practice is better suited to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean than fluoridation of water. Experience has shown that putting fluoride in salt can reduce dental caries by as much as 84 percent at a cost of 6 cents per person per year. The practice is extremely cost effective, saving an average of $250 per person per year in dental treatment for every $1 spent. It is also highly equitable, benefiting equally rich and poor, young and old, urban and rural dwellers, those with access to professional dental services and those without. The book provides step-by-step guidance on how to plan, promote, launch, operate, monitor and evaluate salt fluoridation programs. It discusses in detail how the salt industry operates, including its manufacturing and marketing practices, and shows how to win the industry's cooperation. The book also provides blueprints for legislation, epidemiological surveillance, and biological monitoring that are necessary for carrying out successful programs. The publication was funded by the Kellogg Foundation, which has supported salt fluoridation efforts throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. "This book shows how salt fluoridation has proven to be one of the most cost-effective public health interventions in history and shows countries how to implement programs of their own. 'Promoting Oral Health: The Use of Salt Fluoridation to Prevent Dental Caries' was written by Saskia Estupiñán-Day, head of PAHO's Oral Health Program. The book traces the history of salt fluoridation, first used in Switzerland in the 1950s and later elsewhere in Europe and the Americas. It explains why the practice is better suited to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean than fluoridation of water. Experience has shown that putting fluoride in salt can reduce dental caries by as much as 84% at a cost of 6 cents per person per year. The practice is extremely cost effective, saving an average of $250 per person per year in dental treatment for every $1 spent. It is also highly equitable, benefiting equally rich and poor, young and old, urban and rural dwellers, those with access to professional dental services and those without. The book provides step-by-step guidance on how to plan, promote, launch, operate, monitor and evaluate salt fluoridation programs. It discusses in detail how the salt industry operates, including its manufacturing and marketing practices, and shows how to win the industry's cooperation. The book also provides blueprints for legislation, epidemiological surveillance, and biological monitoring that are necessary for carrying out successful programs."--Publisher's website This publication has come out of the experience of national salt fluoridation programs and of 12 workshops corresponding to Phase II (first evaluation) of such programs that were held in Mexico in 1994 and in Jamaica in 1996. The book gives a historical overview of successful salt fluoridation programs; details the components, effectiveness, and benefits of the programs; and offers recommendations to health administrators who are considering establishing such a program in their countries. We hope that it helps to confirm salt fluoridation as an effective method of preventing dental caries an Containing full-colour photographs and illustrations, this text presents current topics in aesthetic implantology with comprehensive references to related research. The book is specifically designed to improve the student/practitioner's surgical, prosthetic and case design skills The history of salt fluoridation spans more than half a century, encompassing efforts in Europe and the Americas (see Table 1.1).