Comparison of Three Topical Fluorides Using Computer Imaging

Abstract

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the short and long-term effectiveness of fluoride varnish and compare it with the two most commonly used topical fluorides, i.e., fluoride gel and foam.A second purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of these preparations on primary and permanent teeth. Enamel slabs with a thickness of 500 microns were obtained from caries free primary molars and premolars. They were divided into four groups: control, foam (F), gel (G) and varnish (V). Fluorides were applied to the enamel slabs according to the manufacturer's instructions and were placed in a 5.1 pH acidic gel for one week. The amount of demineralization from the enamel was measured by calculating the amount of light reflected from these surfaces. This was done by using a Charged Couple Device attached to a high resolution microscope with image processing software, Optima 5.22. The enamel slabs were placed in a freshly prepared acidic gel for a second week without application of fluorides. This was done to mimic a situation where fluoride is eventually brushed away from teeth. Reflective images were recorded under the previously described conditions. A two-way analysis of covariance was used to compare the treatments. The results showed no statistically significant difference (with Bonferroni correction) in the effectiveness of different fluoride preparations over the short-term (Week I comparison; p-values: F vs. G 0.079, F vs.V 0.030, G vs.V 0.44). However, the long-term protection provided by fluoride varnish was far more than fluoride gel and foam (Week II comparison; p-values: F vs. G 9X10-5 , F vs.V 7X10-8, G vs.V 1X10-4). Fluorides were equally effective for both primary and permanent enamels (p-value 0.24). The results of this study suggest that fluoride varnish is beneficial for use with white spot lesions, newly erupted permanent teeth and early decalcification in primary dentition.

Therapeutic potential of Brazilian fluoride varnishes: an in vivo study

“…This finding corroborates those of previous studies (6,10,12,16,18,19). There was a 45.7% reduction in WSL size, which is in agreement with previous studies (9,10,12,16).…”

Empowering Head Start to Improve Access to Good Oral Health for Children from Low Income Families

“…Fluoride varnishes were introduced in the U.S. in the last decade after being available in Europe for almost 40 years. They are more effective than the fluoride foams and gels that are still ubiquitous in dental offices (22,23). Varnishes are helpful because they are low tech, inexpensive, and child-friendly.…”

Professionally Applied Topical Fluoride: Evidence‐Based Clinical Recommendations

“…Foam commonly is used in dental practice; however, the weight of the clinical evidence of its effectiveness is not as strong as that for luoride gel and varnish. There are clinical and laboratory data that demonstrate foam's equivalence to gels in terms of luoride release [40][41][42][43][44][45] ; however, only two clinical trials have been published evaluating its effectiveness in caries prevention. 20,28 Because of this, the panel was reluctant to extrapolate its recommendations for use of luoride varnish and gel to foams.…”

“…Laboratory data demonstrate foam's equivalence to gels in terms of luoride release [40][41][42][43][44][45] ; however, only two clinical trials have been published evaluating its effectiveness. 20,28 Because of this, the recommendations for use of luoride varnish and gel have not been extrapolated to foams.…”