small quantities in some foods. It has been proven that fluoride is the single most effective weapon in the battle against tooth decay or cavities.

Since 1978, the Ministries of Health and Education have provided a free fluoride programme for daily distribution in the clinic, nurseries and schools.

This year, 1993 marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Fluoride Programme in Bermuda, and recent studies have indicated that the rate of decay has fallen by 80 percent in our school children making Bermuda's Fluoride Programme a tremendous success.

The 80 percent reduction in tooth decay is based on the results of the three Island-wide dental surveys conducted in Bermuda in 1978, 1983 and 1989 and has established Bermuda as a world leader in the battle against tooth decay.

There are three theories that explain how fluoride prevents tooth decay.

1: By making the tooth enamel stronger and so more able to withstand attack by the acids produced by the bacteria within dental plaque.

2: It allows cavities to reverse by encouraging minerals to accumulate in the damaged enamel of early cavities.

3: It may change the bacteria in dental plaque and make it less harmful.

Fluoride can be swallowed in the form of tablets, drops, mouth rinse and fluoridated water all of which have been found to be effective in helping to prevent tooth decay.

When fluoride is swallowed the fluoride is combined with the enamel of the developing teeth, making the teeth stronger. When fluoride is given early in childhood, the benefits of fluoride are increased.

Fluoride mouth rinse, toothpaste and gel provide the topical benefits of fluoride because the fluoride is absorbed directly into the enamel surface of the erupted teeth.

Healthy teeth are very important because they allow one to chew their food well, to speak properly and to smile with confidence. In addition, eating a nutritional diet and practising good oral hygiene is also important in preventing tooth decay.

Parents, your child can participate in the Department of Health's fluoride programme by signing a parental consent form available at any baby clinic or by contacting the dental section of the Health Department.

Fluoride drops are given to children age four months to two years; half mg.

tablets are given to children that are two years to five-years-old; one mg.

tablets are given to children that are five-years-old up until the end of their first year of high school.

Once your child is receiving fluoride drops or tablets at their nursery or primary school every day, do not give them any fluoride drops or tablets at home, except during the weekends and holidays. We are the preventive dental team, and we are here to help you. If there are any concerns please call us at 1236-0224 ext. 323. Joann Fox Preventive Dental Assistant Department of Health.