The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) has recommended that children who are at increased risk of developing dental caries should use toothpaste with higher concentrations of fluoride.

SIGN, part of Healthcare Improvement Scotland, recommends that young people up to the age of 18 years should be advised to use toothpastes in the range 1,000-1,500 parts per million fluoride (ppmF). Children who are at increased risk of developing caries, such as those from disadvantaged backgrounds, should be advised to use toothpaste with 1,500 ppmF up to the age of ten, and those from age 10 to 16, toothpaste with 2,800 ppmF.

Over-the-counter toothpaste is currently available in concentrations ranging from around 700 ppmF to 1,500 ppmF, while 2,800 ppmF and 5,000 ppmF toothpastes are available on prescription.

Derek Richards, Consultant in Dental Publish Health and chair of the SIGN guideline group, said: 'While it is important that dental healthcare professionals use these guidelines to best meet the needs of specific patients, in simple terms, parents need to be reminded that twice daily brushing of their children's teeth with fluoride toothpaste plays a vital job in the fight against decay'.

To read SIGN's full guideline, visit www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/fulltext/138/index.html.