Caries-preventive effects of fluoride products when used in conjunction with fluoride dentifrice.

Toothbrushing with fluoride dentifrice has become an important public health measure in preventing caries and gingivitis. Since the fluoride concentration in dentifrices does not provide absolute protection for everyone and is limited by legal regulations, the question about the efficacy of additional use of topical fluoride products arises. In children aged 9-15 years, the biannual application of Duraphat varnish in school-based programmes provides a caries inhibition of 38%. A caries inhibition of up to 40% can also be achieved by gels containing 1.25% fluoride, if applied 30 times per year. In subjects with a risk of root caries, the daily use of a 250-500 ppm fluoride solution seems to be advisable. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.