A review of clinical research on the use of prenatal fluoride administration for prevention of dental caries.

From a theoretical standpoint, primary teeth could benefit from prenatal exposure to dietary fluoride supplements. Permanent teeth are unlikely to benefit from the procedure. Additional research on placental transfer of fluoride, and mechanisms of action of fluoride is indicated. Despite encouraging trends in existing data, administration of dietary fluoride supplements to pregnant women cannot be recommended at this time, because conclusive clinical evidence that the procedure reduces dental caries in the teeth of offspring is lacking. Well-controlled clinical trials should be carried out to establish the possible value of prenatally administered dietary fluoride supplements.