Topical fluorides: a discussion of risks and benefits.

Inadvertent ingestion of fluoride from topical procedures poses the risk of dental fluorosis in age-susceptible users. This risk can be minimized for mouthrinsing by restricting it to those above the age-susceptible limit. Operators administering topical fluoride treatments can take practical precautions that have been shown to reduce the amount of fluoride retained and, thus, reduce ingestion. Clinical and epidemiological studies have failed to establish that dentifrice ingestion by young children constitutes a serious fluorosis risk. Discussion of risk must consider the effect of perceived risks upon the public.