Conventional Preventive Therapies (Fluoride) on Root Caries Lesions.

Abstract

Root caries lesions (RCLs) are highly prevalent in elderly and can negatively impact the quality of life. Therefore, preventive therapies should be applied to control or to arrest RCLs. This chapter will discuss the application of fluoride, a conventional preventive therapy, to control RCLs. Among the self-applied products, there is strong evidence that 5,000 ppm F toothpaste is more effective in arresting RCLs (by increasing hardness) and in preventing new lesions (PF of 51%) compared to 1,100-1,450 ppm F toothpastes, in 6-month clinical trials. With regard to professional fluoride applications, 5% NaF varnish (4 times/year) and 38% silver diamine fluoride solution (1 time/year) have been tested in clinical trials with a follow-up of 3 years. Five percent NaF varnish and 38% silver diamine fluoride have been shown to prevent the emergence of new RCLs in 64 and 71%, respectively. The professional fluoride application is often combined with the daily use of 5,000 ppm F toothpaste. However, there is a gap in the knowledge about the benefit (cost-effectiveness) and the optimal use of the combinations of fluoride products in the control of RCLs.