Be In The Know: Professionally Applied Fluoride Solutions

Despite improvements in world population oral health, according to the FDI, untreated tooth decay impacts almost half of the world’s population (44%), making it the most prevalent among the 291 conditions included in the Global Burden of Disease Study¹
You, as an oral-health professional, are the first line of defense against dental caries, and have the knowledge and expertise to reduce their prevalence. Your weapon is Fluoride!
Fluoride, often called “nature’s cavity fighter”² , has been used for over 70 years in the prevention of tooth decay and is part of WHO’s model list of essential medicines. Access to fluorides has been recognized as a part of the basic human right to health³.
For more information on Fluoride please visit: Fluoride and Your Patients – How to Start the Conversation /Jessica Kaczrowski
At your practice, whether private or part of public health settings, you may use professionally applied topical fluoride (PATF). PATF are considered an essential element of individualized treatment plans due to its proven efficacy in reducing prevalence of dental caries.
The most commonly used agents for PATF treatments are 5% sodium fluoride varnish (FV; 2.26% F-, 22,600 ppm F-) and acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF; 1.23% F-, 12,300 ppm F-) which presents in a foam and gel delivery⁴. Fluoride applications must be carefully controlled because the potential for over ingestion and toxicity does exist. Fluoride is rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and young children are particularly vulnerable in case of reaching the probably toxic dose of 5 mg/kg (PTD)⁴. Therefore, unit doses of fluoride varnish are the only professional topical fluoride agent that are recommended for children younger than age six⁶.

Fluoride varnish VS. acidulated phosphate fluoride gel^4,5,7:

For patients with porcelain or resin restorations, neutral sodium fluoride is recommended to prevent etching of restorations⁴

1) Fluoride gels or foams generally applied using a tray
2) Unit dose fluoride varnish application

Additional differences are product-dependent. There are different types of varnish available on the market and choosing best option can be challenging.

3M™ Clinpro™ White Varnish, 5% sodium fluoride varnish with innovative tri-calcium phosphate creates a durable coating that adheres to teeth and also migrates to additional tooth surfaces. It can be applied to moist tooth surfaces and to tooth surfaces where plaque is present.

More information about 3M preventive products are here available.

Fluoride varnish is an important, easy-to-apply tool for every dental professional which can increase patient acceptance⁴, is well-established in disease prevention and has a good value for money.