While dental caries in usually associated with children it is still a common problem for adults. Several systematic reviews have evaluated the use of fluorides for the prevention of caries in children but fewer of fluoride use in adults. The aim of this review was to evaluate the research regarding professional and/or supplemental self-applied fluoride for preventing and remineralizing caries in moderate and high caries risk adults.
A comprehensive search of several databases was conducted for randomized control trials or clinical trials conducted in moderate or high caries risk adult populations, evaluating self- or professionally applied fluoride with the outcomes of caries were included. Studied in English and foreign languages were considered. Studies were evaluated for quality.
The authors included 17 studies which were categorized into the following groups: sodium fluoride (NaF) and amine/potassium fluoride mouthrinses of varying strengths, NaF gels and pastes, NaF varnish, and stannous fluoride.
The strongest studies demonstrated the following modalities as moderately effective in higher caries risk adults:
- low strength NaF rinses, relative risk reduction (RRR) for carious lesions: 50-148%
- 1.1 percent NaF pastes/gels RRR for root lesion remineralization: 35-122 %
- fluoride varnishes
- RRR for Root caries remineralization: 63 percent
- RRR for decrease in decayed, missing, and filled surfaces: 50 percent
Evidence regarding 1.1 percent NaF and 5 percent NaF varnishes related primarily to root caries and older adults.
They concluded
Although the reviewed clinical trials varied greatly in design, conduct, and quality scores, all demonstrated that the use of supplemental and professionally applied fluoride in moderate and high caries risk adults is effective in preventing and/or remineralizing dental caries.
Gibson G, Jurasic MM, Wehler CJ, Jones JA. Supplemental fluoride use for moderate and high caries risk adults: a systematic review. J Public Health Dent. 2011 Summer;71(3):171-84. PubMed PMID: 21972457.
[…] Dental Elf Oct 14th 2011 Posted by Derek at 6:10 am Tagged with: adults, caries, prevention, topical fluoride […]
[…] The Journal of Public Health Dentistry recently published a systematic review of research studies showing that the use of supplemental self-applied and professionally applied fluoride in moderate and high caries risk adults is effective in preventing and/or remineralizing dental caries. The strongest studies revealed that low strength NaF rinses, 1.1% NaF pastes/gels and fluoride varnishes are moderately effective in higher caries risk adults. Read more. […]