Fluoride In Caries Prevention Research Articles

Fluoride Varnish Intervention for Caries Prevention in Resource-Limited African Settings- A review

Background: Fluoride may not be available to some children in African countries due to the non-use of fluoride containing toothpaste, parental perception and awareness of the benefits of fluoride in caries prevention and non-availability of fluoride in community and school water. Fluoride may also not be affordable for children of low socio-economic status in remote areas, slums areas and rural areas. Topical and systemic sources of fluoride, like fluoride drops, fluoride gel,fluoride solution, fluoride mouthrinses, fluoride tablets, and fluoride lozenges, may not be available in resource-poor countries. Method: An electronic literature search in Google Scholar, African journals online, Science direct and Google was done in August , 2023 using the Population, Concept and Context framework. Search terms and keywords were combined by Boolean operators. Two independent investigators screened titles, abstracts and accessible full texts of publications on fluoride varnish use among African children. Results: Full text was screened using inclusion criteria. Three articles were included as they were assessed to meet the aim of the review. They were hospital based and school-based studies with comparative, prospective, interventional, and randomized clinical trial and cluster-randomized controlled community trials, respectively Conclusion: Fluoride varnish can be an intervention for underserved children with white spot carious lesion in remote areas, slums areas and rural areas, and for non-cavitated carious lesions in resource poor settings. It is simple to use with simple armamentarium, More studies from diverse ethnic population in African countries will fill the gaps in knowledge. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2024; 14(1):28-30

Gum Arabic: Can it replace sodium fluoride in toothpaste? “Comparison of their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans”

Background: The effectiveness of fluoride in caries prevention isenhanced by its ability to reduce demineralization, promote remineralization, and antibacterial properties against streptococcus mutans. Interestingly, Gum Arabic has a remineralization effect similar to that of sodium fluoride.
 Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of Gum Arabic processed by two methods against Streptococcus mutans and compare it to the antibacterial activity of various concentrations of sodium fluoride in order to compare their caries prevention capability.
 Design: Antibacterial susceptibility tests for 200mg ethanolic extracts of mechanically ground and spray-dried Gum Arabic, as well as sodium fluoride at concentrations of 0.05% and 1.23% against S. mutans (ATCC 25175) were performed using the agar disc diffusion method. Chlorhexidine and Antibiotic multi-disc for gram-positive bacteria were used as positive controls, while ethanol 20% as a negative control. The diameters of the inhibition zones were measured for all the materials under investigation.
 Results: The diameters of the inhibition zones of the spray-dried and the mechanically ground Gum Arabic were (10.67 mm & 9.67mm), respectively, almost approximating each other. In comparison, sodium fluoride (0.05% wash and 1.23% gel) showed inhibition zones of diameters (0mm& 2.33mm), respectively.
 Gum Arabic, with both processing methods, exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity against S. mutans than sodium fluoride (0.05%, 1.23%)
 Conclusion: Gum Arabic, either mechanically ground or spray-dried, is a partially active antibacterial against S. mutans. Gum Arabic is a more potent antibacterial against S. mutans than sodium fluoride.
 Keywords: Gum Arabic, Anti-caries, Sodium fluoride, Streptococcus mutans, Antibacterial activity

Fluoride prophylaxis - poison or simple way to get rid of early childhood caries (ECC) – review

Introduction: As a prevention, fluoride is used systemically as well as topically in the oral cavity. Thanks to fluoride prophylaxis, one of the most common bacterial disease in the world can be significantly reduced. This disease is dental caries. As such, it constitutes a huge problem in current stomatology, especially the type that affects small children - early childhood caries (ECC). Fluoride has beneficial effects not only in caries prevention but also in arresting and inhibiting the active decay process. Nevertheless, in recent years the use of fluoride is claimed to be controversial due to its toxic properties. Aim: The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on the effect that fluoride has on caries diseases affecting children and the safety of its use based on the available research. Materials and methods: Review of the current literature based on data available in: Pubmed, Ncbi, NIH, AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) and EAPD (European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) websites using the following phrases: fluoride, fluoride in caries prevention, fluoride in caries, fluoride mechanism, fluoride toxicity, fluoride safety, caries, early childhood caries (ECC). Conclusions: The use of fluoride is debatable, due to its toxic properties when used in excessive doses. The analysis of the studies proved that fluoride concentrations used in dentistry for the prevention and treatment of early childhood caries (ECC) are safe for the children's organism. The benefits resulting from its use in modern dentistry, which should be based on prophylaxis, are indisputable.

FLUORIDES AND ORAL HEALTH

Background. The importance of fluorides in caries prevention is discussed in the article and practical recommendations for the use of fluoride containing products are presented. Objectives. The primary objective of this systematic review is to assess the evidence on the comparative effectiveness of topical fluoride therapy (TFT) in the form of toothpastes, mouth rinses, gels and varnishes in prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents. Methods. A systematic electronic literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science databases using search terms. Current reports in the literature concerning means and methods of use of fluoride-containing medications are considered. Results. A large number of scientific studies, reviews based on them and meta-analyses conclude that the central element of caries prevention, on which the decrease in caries prevalence and caries experience is based, is the regular topical use of fluoride medications for oral cavity. Conclusions. Topical use of fluorides is a key element in successful caries prevention.

Awareness and practices related to use fluorides for caries prevention among health sciences university students in Tanzania

Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess awareness and practices related to fluoride use for caries prevention as well as identifying the influencing sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students in Health Sciences Training University in Tanzania. Data were collected through self-administered structured questionnaire inquiring on sociodemographics, usage of fluorides and awareness of fluorides for caries prevention, and relevant oral health-related behaviors. Data processing was done using SPSS version 23. Cross tabulation with Chi-square test and adjusted binary logistic regression assessed presence, strength, and direction of association between awareness of as well as practices related to fluoride for caries prevention with sociodemographic and oral health behaviors. Results: Three hundred and eighteen university students were assessed with a mean age of 22.7 (SD 2.8) years. Overall, 55.0% of the participants were aware of the role of fluoride in caries prevention and 44.3% had appropriate practice related to fluoride use. Significantly higher proportion of older students (64.9%) and those in senior years (65.5%) of the study were aware of fluoride use in caries prevention compared to their counterparts. The statistically significant differences for appropriate practices related to fluoride use were only for the females (27.1%), senior students (28.1%), and those who visited dental facilities (35.0%). The odds of being aware (Odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.6, 4.0) of and having appropriate practices related to use of fluorides for caries prevention were higher among senior (Odds Ratio 2.4, 95% Confidence interval 1.3, 4.2) participants than the junior participants. Conclusion: Relatively low proportion of university students was aware of fluoride use for caries prevention. Likewise, a few had appropriate practices related to fluoride uses. Sociodemographically, those who were in their senior years of study were more likely to be aware and use fluoride for caries prevention than the juniors.

Study of topical fluoride combined with semiconductor laser for the prevention of dental enamel caries

The prevention of dental caries is one of the main goals of modern dentistry. Other major goals include remineralization of caries, rather than the traditional "drill and fill". Remineralization is a restorative process that restores minerals and occurs daily through the presence of calcium, phosphate and fluoride in the saliva. Enamel demineralization occurs when acids produced by bacteria attack the enamel. A dynamic balance between enamel demineralization and remineralization is maintained under normal conditions, and disruption of this balance leads to progression of the lesion and eventually to cavitation formation. Fluoride plays an important role in enhancing remineralization. Topical application of fluoride is one of the most effective ways to stop or prevent dental caries. Fluoride ions can replace the hydroxyl group in hydroxyapatite, which leads to the formation of fluorapatite. The solubility of fluorapatite in acid is lower than that of hydroxyapatite. The effect of laser irradiation on the prevention of dental caries has been reported by numerous scholars. Studies have shown that when fluoride, calcium or phosphorus ions are present, laser irradiation can effectively enhance the acid resistance of tooth enamel by altering its chemical or morphological structure and promoting the remineralization process. Laser combined with fluoride has good effect and easy operation compared with other methods for caries prevention, and this paper will review the research on laser combined with fluoride in caries prevention in recent years.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of various types of topical fluoride for prevention of caries

Background: The expression ‘topical fluoride treatment’ refers to methods that provide a high concentration of fluoride to exposed tooth surfaces for a local protective effect. The most popular topical fluoride agents are toothpastes (dentifrices), mouthrinses, gels and varnishes that contain fluoride. These may be used separately or in combination. Topical fluoride application will be a simple but important procedure that is nominated by dental care professionals. Topical fluoride applications using fluoride varnish are recommended between two and four times for children annually and twice for adults for treatment of dental caries. Materials and methods: The study was done as an online setting, the responses were obtained from 110 dental professionals from the Chennai sub population. A self structured questionnaire comprising about 12 questions and circulated as a link to the participants. The responses were exported to google sheets and data was retrieved and analysed in SPSS software version 26. The results were obtained from SPSS software. Results: From the results analysed, it has been found that male participants (57.27%) and undergraduates (77.27%) took the majority party in the study.

WHO stuft Fluorid zur lokalen Anwendung in der Mundhöhle als unentbehrliches Medikament ein

In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated a document - the model list of medicines that should be available to people - that is extremely noteworthy for preventive dentistry. This list exists in two versions: one for children and one for adults. Fluoride for caries prevention was recently included in both lists. Of great interest is the literature review that was also published in this context, on the basis of which the WHO assessment of fluoride was implemented. It confirms the high value of fluoride toothpaste and states, among other things, that brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is an effective means of preventing dental caries in infants and children. The recommended fluoride concentration in toothpaste is stated to be between 1000 and 1500 ppm for all age groups. Fluoride toothpaste is effective, safe, inexpensive and the most rational form of fluoride use.

Oral Health Status and Oral Health Behaviour among 5- to 6-year-old Palestinian Schoolchildren - Towards Engagement of Parents and Schoolteachers for Oral Health through Schools.

1. To assess the oral health status and health behaviour of 5- to 6-year-oldchildren and the influence of socio-behavioural factors on oral health among children, and 2. evaluate dental knowledge and attitudes related to oral health promotion of children among mothers and schoolteachers in Palestine. This cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2017, and recruited samples of children (n = 3939, 53.8% boys, 44.8% girls) from 61 primary schools, their mothers and schoolteachers (n = 53). Participants were selected randomly by multistage stratified cluster sampling. Calibrated dentists performed oral examinations of 5- to 6-year-old schoolchildren based on WHO criteria. Mothers and teachers completed WHO self-administrated questionnaires to assess children's oral health behaviour, as well as their knowledge and attitudes towards children's dental care. Caries prevalence of primary teeth was 83.4% and caries experience was high (dmf-s = 11.17). One-fourth of children suffered from pain or discomfort from teeth, and 57.7% of children had seen a dentist within the past 12 months, frequently due to pain or problems. Consumption of sugars was frequent and only 19.7% brushed their teeth every day. Neglect of dental visits, infrequent toothbrushing, being a child from families of urban settings and high socioeconomic status were greatly affected by caries. Mothers and schoolteachers had mostly positive attitudes towards school-based oral health care. However, the availability of dental health education materials was extremely low. The establishment of school-based oral health programmes, including effective use of toothpaste containing fluoride for caries prevention, is greatly needed to improve the oral health of Palestinian children. The introduction of fluoridated school milk is highly recommended. The establishement of school programmes should encompass active involvement of schoolteachers and mothers to promote the development of healthy lifestyles and sustainable oral health behaviours among schoolchildren. Provision of materials for health education by schoolteachers and mothers is urgently needed.

Role of silver diamine fluoride in caries prevention

Dental caries is one of the most common diseases affecting people across the globe. Unlike other infectious diseases, dental caries is not a self-limiting disorder. Preventive outlook to avoid tooth decay is hence very essential. Fortunately, there has been a rapid shift from surgical model, which emphasizes on the restorative aspect to the medical model that majorly focuses on disease prevention. The use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has recently been in limelight due to its ability to prevent as well as arrest dental caries. The purpose of this review is to compile and procure all related data regarding SDF, along with the inclusion of its various recent advancements and its efficiency in the current pandemic situation. The article further includes reviews from various clinical trials performed in the past as well as in recent times, regarding the efficacy of SDF when compared to other caries preventive agents.

Effects of 9,300 nm Carbon Dioxide Laser on Dental Hard Tissue: A Concise Review.

A carbon dioxide laser at 9,300 nm has a high absorption affinity for water and a shallow depth of penetration. It can be used for soft tissue surgery and hemostasis. Besides, it matches well with the absorption characteristic of hydroxyapatite in enamel and dentine. Therefore, the laser possesses a great ability for energy transfer to dental hard tissues. It has a low risk of thermo-damage to the dentine–pulp complex because it has a shallow depth of heat absorption. Hence, the laser is safe for dental hard tissue preparation. A carbon dioxide laser at 9,300 nm can effectively alter the chemical structure of teeth. It increases the ratio of calcium to phosphorus and converts the carbonated hydroxyapatite to the purer hydroxyapatite of enamel and dentine. It can alter the surface morphology of a tooth through surface melting, fusion, and ablation of dentine and enamel. At higher power, it removes caries lesions. It can enhance the success of restoration by increasing the bond strength of dental adhesives to the dentine and enamel. A carbon dioxide laser at 9,300 nm can also be used with fluoride for caries prevention. The advancement of technology allows the laser to be delivered in very short pulse durations and high repetition rates (frequency). Consequently, the laser can now be used with high peak power. The objective of this review is to discuss the effects and potential use of a 9,300 nm carbon dioxide laser on dental hard tissue.

Роль фтора в профилактике кариеса

Роль фтора в профилактике кариеса

Exogenous Intake of Fluorides in Caries Prevention: Benefits and Risks.

Caries incidence and prevalence have decreased significantly over the last few decades due to widespread use of fluoride. However, an increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis has been reported in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities. Care must be taken to ensure that a balance between the optimal fluoride preventive effect at the individual and community level and minimal risk of dental fluorosis is maintained. This review describes the main sources of fluoride intake that have been identified: fluoridated drinking water, dietary fluoride supplement, and topical forms comprising toothpastes, rinses, gels and varnishes. The cited data were taken from meta-analytic studies and reports from Cochrane database systematic reviews up to December 2019. Efficiency, but safety, of topically applied fluorides in individual home care is dependent on the degree of compliance of individuals/parents and on the level of competence of providers of preventive counselling. The broad spectrum of these resources allows individualization of fluoride prevention based on risk analysis of caries attack and taking into consideration other preventive measures.

Historical and bibliometric notes on the use of fluoride in caries prevention.

The aim of the present report was to highlight historical and bibliometric aspects of fluoride in dentistry. Study design: In the first part of the manuscript, history of fluoride has been reported. In the second part, some bibliometric considerations have been explained. The historical research evaluated the first documents about fluoride in dentistry. The bibliometric research considered Scopus-indexed documents from 1945 to 2019. Historical search showed the consistent presence of documents since 1803, even if modern research started in the 1930s. Descriptive statistics of documents about fluoride showed a constantly increasing interest on the topic, starting from 1965 to nowadays. The topic of fluoride has a long history in dental practice, and future interesting research is needed in order to combine this well-known inorganic, monatomic anion with new emerging technologies.

Use of Silver Nanomaterials for Caries Prevention: A Concise Review.

ObjectiveThe aim of this concise review is to summarize the use of silver nanomaterials for caries prevention.MethodsTwo researchers independently performed a literature search of publications in English using Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Scopus databases. The keywords used were (silver nanoparticles OR AgNPs OR nano silver OR nano-silver) AND (caries OR tooth decay OR remineralisation OR remineralization). They screened the title and abstract to identify potentially eligible publications. They then retrieved the full texts of the identified publications to select original research reporting silver nanomaterials for caries prevention.ResultsThe search identified 376 publications, and 66 articles were included in this study. The silver nanomaterials studied were categorized as resin with silver nanoparticles (n=31), silver nanoparticles (n=21), glass ionomer cement with silver nanoparticles (n=7), and nano silver fluoride (n=7). Most (59/66, 89%) studies investigated the antibacterial properties, and they all found that silver nanomaterials inhibited the adhesion and growth of cariogenic bacteria, mainly Streptococcus mutans. Although silver nanomaterials were used as anti-caries agents, only 11 (11/66, 17%) studies reported the effects of nanomaterials on the mineral content of teeth. Eight of them are laboratory studies, and they found that silver nanomaterials prevented the demineralization of enamel and dentin under an acid or cariogenic biofilm challenge. The remaining three are clinical trials that reported that silver nanomaterials prevented and arrested caries in children.ConclusionSilver nanoparticles have been used alone or with resin, glass ionomer, or fluoride for caries prevention. Silver nanomaterials inhibit the adhesion and growth of cariogenic bacteria. They also impede the demineralization of enamel and dentin.

Dental Caries assessment of Rural Population of Sindh by DMFT (Decayed missing and filled teeth) Index.

Dental caries is known as an infectious disease of microbiologic origin. Streptococcus mutans is established to be the main causative agent, which leads to localized dissolution and destruction of the calcified tissues. It is the most prevalent oral disease which shows an inevitable geographic dissimilarity, socioeconomic patterns and severity around the globe. The role of Fluoride in Caries prevention is extremely imperative as it is substance which relates strongly in the caries process and favours remineralisation of the affected tooth after the bacterial attack has ceased. Objectives: The objective of this study was to record dental caries experience in rural population of district Matiari Sindh. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional. Setting: Camp of Taluka Hospital Matiari. Period: From the period of one year from Jan-Dec 2018. Material & Methods: A total of 102 visitants of camp were included in the study with caries evaluation of around 2569 teeth. Dental Caries status was checked by using DMFT index as recommended by WHO for oral health surveys. Results: Mean DMFT was found to be 0.07±. 146 (5.75%) teeth were found decayed, 43 (1.7%) were found missing due to caries, No tooth was found restored while 2378 (92.6%) were found to be in sound condition. Conclusion: Access to Oral and Dental healthcare services found to be minimal may be due to inadequate Dental facilities and lack of Dental professionals in rural areas of Sindh province.

Silver diamine fluoride for caries prevention and arrest

Silver diamine fluoride for caries prevention and arrest

Fluoride Revolution and Dental Caries: Evolution of Policies for Global Use

Epidemiological studies over 70 y ago provided the basis for the use of fluoride in caries prevention. They revealed the clear relation between water fluoride concentration, and therefore fluoride exposure, and prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis and dental caries. After successful trials, programs for water fluoridation were introduced, and industry developed effective fluoride-containing toothpastes and other fluoride vehicles. Reductions in caries experience were recorded in many countries, attributable to the widespread use of fluoride. This is a considerable success story; oral health for many was radically improved. While previously, water had been the only significant source of fluoride, now there are many, and this led to an increase in the occurrence of dental fluorosis. Risks identified for dental fluorosis were ingestion of fluoride-containing toothpaste, water fluoridation, fluoride tablets (which were sometimes ingested in areas with water fluoridation), and infant formula feeds. Policies were introduced to reduce excessive fluoride exposure during the period of tooth development, and these were successful in reducing dental fluorosis without compromising caries prevention. There is now a much better understanding of the public perception of dental fluorosis, with mild fluorosis being of no aesthetic concern. The advantages of water fluoridation are that it provides substantial lifelong caries prevention, is economic, and reduces health inequalities: it reaches a substantial number of people worldwide. Fluoride-containing toothpastes are by far the most important way of delivering the beneficial effect of fluoride worldwide. The preventive effects of conjoint exposure (e.g., use of fluoride toothpaste in a fluoridated area) are additive. The World Health Organization has informed member states of the benefits of the appropriate use of fluoride. Many countries have policies to maximize the benefits of fluoride, but many have yet to do so.

Parents and caregivers' knowledge and attitudes toward children's toothbrushing

Introduction: Fluoride prevents tooth decay, but especially in young children, it is important to balance the anticaries effect of fluoride toothpastes versus the risk of dental fluorosis. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze parents’ and caregivers’ knowledge and attitudes toward their children’s toothbrushing habits from 12 to 71 months of age, as well as to verify their knowledge about fluoride and toothpastes’ dispensed amount. Methods: A semi-structured interview script was applied to a convenience sample of parents and caregivers (n = 63) at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of a public university. Respondents were asked to simulate the amount of toothpaste used in their children’s brushing. Results were presentedwith absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Regarding their children’s toothbrushing, 49.2% performed oral hygiene of their children; 31.7% mentioned that their children brushed under adult supervision; and 19.1% said their children brushed alone. When asked if they had already received guidance regarding theadequate amount of toothpaste to be dispensed, 54% stated they were never oriented. In 74.6% of cases, the amount dispensed exceeded the recommended dose for preschoolers. In addition, 57.1% reported that the toothpaste is within the reach of the child. Of the respondents, 66.7% pointed out the role of fluoride incaries prevention, and 73% were unaware of its toxicity. Conclusion: In general, parents had good oral hygiene practices with their children. However, most respondents did not use the appropriate amount of toothpaste for their children’s age and were unaware of fluoride toxicity, although they could identify its purpose.

Cost-effectiveness of caries-preventive fluoride varnish applications in clinic settings among patients of low, moderate and high risk

Cost-effectiveness of caries-preventive fluoride varnish applications in clinic settings among patients of low, moderate and high risk