Should we use milk fluoridation? A review.

This article presents the argument that because of several demonstrated advantages, milk fluoridation provides a valid alternative to water fluoridation when the latter is not possible. Extensive literature describing study of fluoride compounds administered with calcium-rich food, as well as clinical trials and laboratory experiments with fluoridated milk, have demonstrated its effectiveness in caries prevention. The main criticisms of milk fluoridation are decreased bioavailability of the fluoride, the cost and administrative burden involved, and (in some cases) lack of sound clinical conclusions regarding its preventive efficacy. These criticisms are reviewed in the light of evidence now available.