Suplementos de flúor pré-natal e pós-natal: avaliação da prescrição por pediatras e ginecologistas-obstetras de Manaus-AM e análise da concentração de flúor dos medicamentos do Mercado Brasileiro

Abstract

Scientific evidence shows that the main mechanism of action of fluoride in controlling the development of dental caries is through topical methods and its presence in the oral environment. However, fluoride supplements pre and post-natal are available on the market in many countries. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the prescription of fluoride supplements as well as analyze the concentration of this ion in products of the Brazilian market, in terms of discussion of binomial risk-benefit. Participated in the study 70 gynecologists-obstetricians and 106 pediatricians who answered two types of questionnaires concerning the use of fluoride supplement pre-and post-natal, respectively. Nine fluoride supplements available on the market were acquired in triplicates, in which were analyzed concentrations of total and soluble fluoride. The results indicated that 48.6% of gynecologists-obstetricians prescribe fluoride supplements to their patients and that 81.1% of Pediatricians do not indicate fluoride supplementation. Analysis of fluoride products showed: 1) Quantity bioavailable in HCL 0.01 M (gastric juice) ranging from 0.02 to 100.0% of the total reported by the manufacturer; 2) amount of fluoride in some products with less than recommended dosage according to the age of the child in terms of prevention of dental caries. Considering the level of fluoride found in medicaments, it was concluded that they are incapable of promoting an anti-caries action, which would contraindicate the prescription of supplemental fluoride. In addition, there is the need of medical update on mechanism of action of fluoride in controlling the development of dental caries as well as a review in the standardization of its use in terms of risk/benefit.