Deep penetration fluoridation for caries prevention and treatment: the use of Tiefenfluorid® junior in children. Case reports

Abstract

The use of fluoride, a healthy diet and good dental care habits are the pillars of the fight against caries. At a time when the anti-fluoride movement is on the increase and raises doubts even amongst the dentists and dental hygienists, the dental environment should be based on the credible scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of therapy in their clinical management. The article presents the clinical cases in which the agent for deep penetration fluoridation Tiefenfluorid® junior (Humanchemie, German) was used in the treatment and prevention of carious lesions in children. The visual-tactile method was used for detecting caries lesions. The International Caries Detection and Assessment System – ICDAS II was used for classifying dental caries. Carious lesions activity were assessed using visual-tactile method at control visits every 3 months within 12 months. Fluoride is effective in the treatment of initial caries in enamel, and the agent based on silver and fluorine SDF (Silver Diamine Fluoride) effectively inhibits tooth decay in the dentin. The disadvantage of SDF is the black color of the teeth. In contrast to common fluoride compounds, the solution with fluoride Tiefenfluorid® junior (Humanchemie, German) becomes non-toxic due to the reaction with the second application solution with calcium hydroxide. Furthermore, the process takes place deep in the funnels of the dental enamel, not on the tooth surface. The deep penetration fluoridation can be used for the caries prophylaxis, including the mineral fissure sealing, as well as for the treatment of initial caries lesions. In the treatment of initial caries in small children, it is an alternative to the silver nitrate impregnation and for the fluoride varnishes.