Test Your Knowledge on Fluoride Varnish
Fluoride counteracts dental caries by enhancing the uptake of minerals, incorporating into the crystal structure of enamel to increase resistance to acid attack, and disrupting cariogenic bacterial activity. High-concentration delivery methods, such as fluoride varnish, result in the formation of a calcium fluoride layer near the enamel surface, which can successfully prevent decay. How does your knowledge stack up on the effectiveness of fluoride varnish in caries prevention?
Formal United States Food and Drug Administration approval for fluoride varnish is for the management of dental caries.

A 5% NaF formulation consists of about 22,600 ppm fluoride, and the sticky resin allows the varnish to cling tenaciously to tooth surfaces.

For patients at risk for dental caries, the application of fluoride varnish or gel every 12 months to 18 months is recommended as an in-office treatment.

The effectiveness of fluoride varnish in caries prevention has been evaluated at the highest level of evidence—the systematic review.

In a Cochrane review of orthodontic patients who received fluoride varnish application at every orthodontic appointment, white spot lesions were decreased by what percentage compared with those who did not receive fluoride varnish application?

Besides preventing caries, fluoride varnish also appears to be effective in arresting caries.

Based on the best scientific evidence available, fluoride varnish is one of the most potent tools for the management of dental caries.

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