Cochrane Review Examines Use of Fluoride Mouthrinse For Caries Prevention in Youth

In late July, the Cochrane Oral Health Group published the review “Fluoride Mouthrinses for Preventing Dental Caries in Children and Adolescents.” The purpose of the review was to determine how effective and safe the use of fluoride mouthrinse is for preventing dental caries compared with a placebo and no treatment. Such knowledge is designed to arm oral health professionals and the greater community with the proper tools for addressing the caries epidemic, which affects children and adults worldwide.

The review examined 37 studies comprising 15,000 children age 6 to 14. Children were treated with fluoride mouthrinse, a placebo rinse, or received no treatment. Each study was based in a school setting. After reviewing the large body of evidence, it was determined that the supervised use of fluoride mouthrinse reduced caries by 27% compared with a placebo rinse or no treatment. As such, the Cochrane Review concluded that the regular use of fluoride mouthrinse assists in the prevention of caries in children’s permanent dentition, with little to no potential adverse effects recorded.

From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. October 2016;14(10):20.