Slow-release devices for fluoride delivery to high-risk individuals.

The latest fluoride research is investigating the use of slow-release devices for the long-term intra-oral provision of fluoride. 174 children aged 8 years with fluoride slow-releasing glass devices were shown to develop 67% fewer new carious teeth and 76% fewer new carious surfaces in a 2-year double-blind caries study. There were 55% fewer new occlusal fissure carious cavities showing that occlusal surfaces were also protected by the fluoride released from the devices. The fluoride devices release low levels of fluoride for at least 2 years and have great potential for use in preventing dental caries in high-caries-risk groups and irregular dental attenders in addition to a number of other applications.