Topical fluoride

Question 1

What are they?

Answer 1

administered externally to the tooth surface either by pt or dental team to provide continual source of fluoride directly onto the enamel

Question 2

Fluoride toothpastes (use by pts)

Answer 2

containing current recommended dose for all pts of 1000 ppm up to 5000 ppm for use by adults at high risk of developing caries
a minimum twice daily brushing is advised and to not rinse out after brushes as it washes the fluoride away and is therefore less effective

Question 3

Fluoride mouthwashes (use by pts)

Answer 3

for regular use by those with high caries risk + those undergoing orthodontic trt

Question 4

Dental floss + tape (use by pts)

Answer 4

impregnated with fluoride for delivery directly to interproximal areas

Question 5

Fluoride gels (use by dental team)

Answer 5

applied in trays all over teeth for several mins; administered at each examination and are especially useful for special needs + high caries risk
(children with rampant caries, pts with medical conditions such as haemophilia + heart defects which make extraction dangerous, special needs pts)

tooth needs to be polished, washed + dried and the gel is applied in special applicator tray for few mins, on removal of tray pts are instructed to not rinse drink or eat for half an hour

Question 6

Fluoride varnish (use by dental team)

Answer 6

such as Duraphat applied to individual teeth showing areas of previous acid attack or roots exposed by gingival recession or periodontal surgery.