Salt fluoridation in Germany since 1991

Schweiz Monatsschr Zahnmed. 2005;115(8):659-62.

Abstract

Since 1991, fluoridated salt has been on sale in household-size packages in Germany. Potassium or sodium fluoride is added to iodized salt until the fluoride concentration reaches 250 mg/kg. The use of fluoridated salt to prevent caries is officially recommended by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde (DGZMK) and several other associations and groups interested in public health. In the course of the past thirteen years, the market share of fluoridated and iodized domestic salt rose to 63.1% in Germany. However, this positive development must not obscure the fact that fluoridated and iodized salt is still not allowed to be used in restaurant or cafeteria kitchens. This restriction now needs to be revoked in view of the fact that many children, adolescents and adults take their main meals in cafeterias or restaurants. Scientific studies have demonstrated beyond doubt that using fluoridated and iodized salt in cafeteria kitchens poses no problem whatever.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cariostatic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DMF Index
  • Dental Caries / prevention & control*
  • Fluorides / administration & dosage*
  • Fluorides / urine
  • Food Services / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Potassium Compounds / administration & dosage*
  • Sodium Chloride, Dietary / administration & dosage*
  • Sodium Fluoride / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Cariostatic Agents
  • Potassium Compounds
  • Sodium Chloride, Dietary
  • Sodium Fluoride
  • potassium fluoride
  • Fluorides