What the Evidence Says About Fluoride Varnish

By Ryan L. Quock, DDS

Oral health professionals are charged with preventing dental diseases, and some of the most common are, in theory, preventable. Dental caries—a microbiological disease involving the bacterial metabolism of fermentable dietary carbohydrates that leads to the mineral dissolution of tooth structure—is one of these preventable conditions. Because dietary sources of carbohydrates are key etiological components of the caries process, patients’ diet and self-care patterns are integral to successful caries management. Therapeutics can also play a strong role in caries prevention.¹ For example, fluoride is one of the most clearly supported therapeutics for caries prevention in the ­scientific literature. ­Along with pit and fissure sealants, fluoride use remains paramount to reducing the risk of tooth decay.

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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