Fluoride application

Fluorides are effective materials in the control of dental caries, which can both benefit the prevention and treatment.
• Fluoride application- The topical way to use fluoride is to apply fluoride directly to the surface of the tooth. It is a double-edged sword.
• On the one hand, this method can increase the topical concentration of fluoride quickly and make fluoride play a better role in prevention and treatment.
• The common ways to use fluoride topically are through fluoride toothpaste, fluoride mouth rinse, fluoride varnish, fluoride gel, and fluoride foam.
• Younger than 6 years children is at low-risk patients in this group may receive no benefit from topical fluoride application.
• Fluoride toothpaste may provide them adequate prevention. High-risk patients should receive fluoride varnish applications at 3 to 6 month intervals

Fluorides can be delivered as topical and systemic fluorides.

  1. Topical fluorides- These are placed directly on teeth. It allow for interaction fluoride and the mineral in tooth.
  2. Systemic fluoride- They circulate in blood stream and incorporated in developing teeth.

Topical fluorides divided into professionally and self-applied.
Professionally applied fluoride is preventing caries that is frequently used in private practice.
• It includes varnishes, gel and foam.
• It is more effective against smooth surface caries than occlusal caries.
• Fluoride varnish are effective and can be recommended for caries prevention in permanent teeth.
• To maximize fluoride uptake, gels should be applied for 4 minutes. The frequency of fluoride application depends on individual risk.
Self-applied fluoride –You can apply specific amount of fluoride at home by yourself.
• A 10 mL volume should be swished around the mouth vigorously once each day for one minute before going to the bed and then expectorated.
• Patients should not rinse afterwards for 30 minutes.
• It includes toothpaste, mouthwash and gel.
• It is most convenient and preferable method.

Indication of fluoride application are as follows-

  1. Caries active individual those who with past caries experience and those who develop new carious lesion.
  2. Patient with mentally and physically challenged.
  3. After periodontal surgery after roots are exposed.

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