title: Efficacy and safety of fluoride varnishes.
abstract: Clinical studies show that fluoride varnishes, such as Duraphat, are effective in increasing the fluoride content in the enamel and preventing caries. Varnish application is fast and easy. A professional prophylaxis before varnish application is not necessary, which decreases the application time. Patients receive significant preventive benefits with only semiannual varnish applications. Finally, and most importantly, studies show that fluoride varnishes are safe. Effectiveness, application ease, and safety give fluoride varnishes an advantage over other types of topical fluoride treatments, such as gels and rinses.
authors.affiliation: University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Seppä
mesh_terms: D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D010150:Paint; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012821:Silanes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D005782:Gels; D011140:Polyurethanes; D012821:Silanes; C023807:sodium fluoride topical preparation; D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride; C022599:Fluor Protector; D012969:Sodium Fluoride