OBJECTIVES: To review the current literature regarding the anti-caries effi
cacy of fluoride varnishes. To analyse a series of studies designed to dete
ct the caries preventive efficacy of fluoride varnishes by means of meta-an
alysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Current literature on fluoride varnishes has been re
viewed. An evaluation of the results of the available in vitro, animal and
human studies on the anti-caries efficacy of these preventive agents was pe
rformed. A systematic literature search and a meta-analysis were also perfo
rmed to assess the caries preventive effects of fluoride varnishes. The pur
pose of this analysis was to calculate the overall preventive efficacy of c
linical fluoride varnishes treatment studies, based on defined methodologic
al criteria.
RESULTS: The efficacy of fluoride varnishes in caries prevention is clearly
demonstrated in several experimental studies. Clinical trials show caries
incidence reduction ranging approximately from 18% to 70%. Nevertheless, av
ailable studies show a high degree of heterogeneity and only three were fou
nd to meet a series of defined methodological criteria. All the three studi
es were based on a comparison between 0.2% NaF rinses and a fluoride varnis
h. The meta-analysis showed no significant differences between the two trea
tments.
CONCLUSIONS: Available data suggest that fluoride varnishes are a useful to
ol in caries prevention. One may conclude that fluoride varnishes, when app
lied regularly, demonstrate good caries preventive properties.