RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Fluoride toothpaste JF Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin JO Drug Ther Bull FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 57 OP 59 DO 10.1136/dtb.9.15.57 VO 9 IS 15 YR 1971 UL http://dtb.bmj.com/content/9/15/57.abstract AB The fluoride ion has long been recognised as an effective inhibitor of dental caries when it is present in drinking water at an optimum concentration of one part per million. In areas where the water does not contain fluoride, supplements are needed. We have previously discussed fluoride tablets;1 this article deals with fluoride toothpastes, which provide fluoride topically rather than systemically. Although fluoride tablets are more effective than toothpastes, especially for infants, neither is as effective in practice as fluoridation of water.