Dental hygienist and patient comparisons of fluoride varnishes to fluoride gels.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fluoride varnish and compare it to fluoride gels in categories including taste, comfort, efficiency, discoloration, moisture control, safety, and ease of application.


METHODS
Methods. Twenty-five licensed dental hygienists and 148 patients completed questionnaires comparing fluoride varnish to fluoride gel for the following categories: taste, comfort, efficiency, discoloration, moisture control, and safety. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test.


RESULTS
The 25 dental hygienists rated fluoride varnish (Duraphat) superior to fluoride gels in all categories. Eighty-three (56.5%) of the 148 patients reported the varnish application to be more comfortable than gel while 29 (20%) found it the same. In taste comparison, 90 (71.4%) preferred the varnish, while 16 (12.7%) rated it the same. The time required was reported as better for the varnish technique by 59 (50.4%) and equal to the gels by 32 (20.3%). Discoloration of the teeth by the varnish was found not noticeable or not objectionable by 66 (49.3%) and somewhat objectionable or too noticeable for comfort in public by 68 (50.7%). However, 85 (64.3%) reported that they would choose to have the varnish treatment while 33 (25%) would not. Dental hygienist responses on questions 1-4 relative to the number of years in practice were not found to be significantly different.


CONCLUSIONS
The patients and dental hygienists in this study preferred fluoride varnishes to gels. However, since some patients objected to the temporary discoloration, varnishes may not be suitable for everyone.
Warren
D P
DP
Department of Basic Sciences at the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, USA.
Henson
H A
HA
Chan
J T
JT
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D010150:Paint; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012449:Safety; D012463:Saliva; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D013649:Taste / Q000187:drug effects; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000139:chemically induced
D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D005782:Gels; C023807:sodium fluoride topical preparation; D012969:Sodium Fluoride