In Vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Fluoride Varnish Application Frequency on Initial Enamel Lesions

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is the in vitro evaluation of the effect of fluoride varnish application at different frequencies on initial enamel lesions by surface microhardness (SMH) measurements. Material and Methods: This in vitro experimental study was performed on 80 extracted unerupted third molar teeth. The teeth were divided randomly into 4 groups: Group 1: Fluoride varnish application once a year, Group 2: Fluoride varnish application 4 times at 1 week intervals, Group 3: Fluoride varnish application 4 times a year with an interval of 3 months, Group 4: Application of fluoride varnish twice a year at 6-month intervals. Artificial enamel carious lesions were created by inserting the specimens in demineralization solution for 96 hours. The Vicker’s microhardness number (VHN) was measured at baseline, after demineralization and after fluor varnish application and 1 year after fluoride treatments of each group. The percent change in surface microhardness (% SMH change) was also calculated. Anova and Kruskall-Wallis H test, t-test and/or Wilcoxen sign test were used with 95% confidence levels to compare differences. Results: The surface microhardness values and recovery of surface hardness values of the groups were found as follows: Group 3> Group 2>Group 4> Group 1. VHN of Group 3 was statistically significantly higher than other groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Fluoride varnish application 4 times a year with an interval of 3 months showed significantly higher enamel SMH than that of the other groups (p<0.05).