At home fluoride treatment
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At-Home Fluoride Treatment: Effectiveness and Safety
Introduction to At-Home Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatments are a cornerstone in the prevention of dental caries. While professional fluoride applications are common, at-home fluoride treatments such as mouthrinses, gels, and dentifrices are also widely used. This article synthesizes research findings on the effectiveness and safety of at-home fluoride treatments.
Effectiveness of Fluoride Mouthrinses
Fluoride mouthrinses have been extensively studied for their caries-preventive effects in children and adolescents. Research indicates that regular use of fluoride mouthrinses can significantly reduce caries increment. A meta-analysis involving 14,600 children showed a 26% reduction in caries increment with fluoride mouthrinses compared to placebo or no treatment1. Another review confirmed these findings, showing a 27% reduction in caries increment in permanent teeth among children and adolescents using fluoride mouthrinses4. These studies highlight the substantial benefits of fluoride mouthrinses in caries prevention.
Fluoride Concentrations in Saliva and Plaque
The retention of fluoride in the mouth after using topical fluoride treatments is crucial for their effectiveness. Studies have shown that fluoride levels in saliva and dental biofilm are influenced by the type of fluoride product used. For instance, fluoride gels result in higher fluoride concentrations in saliva and plaque compared to fluoride rinses and dentifrices2. However, the long-term fluoride concentrations in saliva and dental biofilm do not significantly differ among various home-use fluoride treatments, especially in areas with fluoridated drinking water3.
Professional vs. Home-Use Fluoride Treatments
While professionally applied fluoride treatments are highly effective, home-use fluoride products also play a significant role in caries prevention. Professional applications, such as fluoride varnishes and gels, have been shown to remineralize early enamel caries and arrest dentine caries effectively5. However, home-use fluoride treatments, including mouthrinses and dentifrices, provide a convenient and effective alternative for daily caries prevention6.
Safety and Adverse Effects
The safety of fluoride treatments is a critical consideration. Most studies report minimal adverse effects associated with fluoride mouthrinses and other topical fluoride products. However, there is a need for more comprehensive reporting on potential side effects, such as tooth staining and mucosal irritation1 4. Overall, the benefits of fluoride treatments in preventing dental caries outweigh the risks of minor adverse effects.
Conclusion
At-home fluoride treatments, including mouthrinses, gels, and dentifrices, are effective in reducing dental caries. Regular use of these products can significantly lower caries increment, especially in children and adolescents. While professional fluoride applications offer high efficacy, home-use treatments provide a practical and effective option for daily caries prevention. Ensuring proper use and monitoring for any adverse effects can maximize the benefits of these treatments.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Fluoride mouthrinses for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents.
Regular use of fluoride mouthrinse at two main strengths and rinsing frequencies effectively reduces dental caries increment in children.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedFluoride Concentrations in Plaque, Whole Saliva, and Ductal Saliva After Application of Home-use Topical Fluorides
Topical fluoride application method, concentration, and time (daytime vs. nighttime) significantly influence fluoride levels in the mouth, while inadvertent ingestion of home-use fluoride products does not significantly impact mouth fluoride levels.
RCTHighly CitedFluoride retention in saliva and in dental biofilm after different home-use fluoride treatments.
Home-use fluoride treatments have no long-term effect on fluoride concentrations in saliva and dental biofilm in residents of areas with fluoridated water supplies.
RCTFluoride mouthrinses for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents.
Fluoride mouthrinses are effective and safe in preventing dental caries in children and adolescents, with no significant differences in effectiveness between treatment and control groups.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCaries remineralisation and arresting effect in children by professionally applied fluoride treatment – a systematic review
Professionally applied 5 % sodium fluoride varnish effectively remineralizes early enamel caries and 38 % silver diamine fluoride effectively arrests dentine caries in children.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedTopical fluoride (toothpastes, mouthrinses, gels or varnishes) for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents.
Topical fluoride therapy effectively prevents dental caries in children, with varying effects depending on the type of fluoride used, mode of application, initial caries levels, and application intensity.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedEffect of a single application of silver diamine fluoride on root caries after 12 months in institutionalised older adults-A randomised clinical trial.
A single application of silver diamine fluoride did not significantly prevent root caries development in older adult nursing home residents with limited caries activity and cognitive capacity to cooperate in oral care activities.
RCT
Large Human TrialProtocol for A randomised feasibility trial comparing fluoride interventions to prevent dental decay in older people in care homes (FInCH trial)
This trial aims to determine the feasibility, practicability, and compliance of fluoride interventions in preventing dental decay in older people in care homes, with a focus on resident, care home, and dental services perspectives.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalEffect of home-use fluoride gels on glass ionomer and composite restorations.
Home-use fluoride gels significantly improve the surface integrity of glass ionomer and composite restorations, while neutral sodium fluoride has no significant effect.
RCTHighly CitedReview of Professionally Applied Fluorides for Preventing Dental Caries in Children and Adolescents
Professionally applied fluoride gel and varnish effectively prevent dental caries in children and adolescents, with 2.26% varnish recommended for children under 6.
Systematic Review