Comparison of Enamel Fluoride Uptake from Five Fluoride-Containing Topical Treatment Products

Abstract

Topical fluoride treatments have been established to reduce caries in children by as much as 25 percent [1]. Alongside fluoridated water supplies and fluoride-containing toothpaste, products specifically designed for fluoride delivery including varnishes, gels, and foams have become widespread. By introducing fluoride into outer layers of enamel (that is, 6-8% replacement of OH- by F - in hydroxyapatite) [2], the fluoridated apatite (fluorapatite) has been shown to be more resistant to acid attack than untreated enamel and inhibit bacterial enzymes [3]. Furthermore, 5% NaF varnishes have been demonstrated to improve surface micro-hardness of enamel by incorporating fluoride and phosphate into the mineral structure [4]. Fluoride varnishes have been found to be as cariostatically efficacious as other preventive agents across numerous laboratory and clinical studies [5].