The use of fluoride varnishes in the prevention of dental caries: a short review

Citation
L. Strohmenger et E. Brambilla, The use of fluoride varnishes in the prevention of dental caries: a short review, ORAL DIS, 7(2), 2001, pp. 71-80
Citations number
93
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Review
Categorie Soggetti
Dentistry/Oral Surgery & Medicine
Journal title
ORAL DISEASES
ISSN journal
1354-523X → ACNP
Volume
7
Issue
2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
71 - 80
Database
ISI
SICI code
1354-523X(200103)7:2<71:TUOFVI>2.0.ZU;2-9
Abstract
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.