title: Fluoride varnish application: a new prophylactic method in Albania. Effect on enamel carious lesions in permanent dentition.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to assess the effects of fluoride varnishes on enamel caries lesions on permanent dentition.
  
  
  METHODS
  92 children from primary school (Vasil Shanto, Tirana, Albania) aged 11-12 years were divided into varnish (experimental) and control group. The experiment group received the first fluoride varnish application (Fluoridin, Voco) at baseline, the second application after 3 months and the third application at 6 months from baseline, while the children in the control group received no professional fluoride application. Examinations were performed at baseline and after 7 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We observed a slight increase in caries prevalence in the control group compared with the varnish group at the 7 month interval (P <0.1 for DMFT and P <0.5 for DMFS and DS). When enamel lesions were included the mean of DeMFT, DeMFS, DeS the caries prevalence was significantly lower in the varnish group after 7 months (P <0.001 for DeMFT, DeMFS).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fluoride varnish is an effective mean for arresting early enamel lesions. It is a safe, convenient and well accepted method by patients.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Dental Department, Tirana, Albania. lindita_xhemnica@yahoo.com
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Xhemnica
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sulo
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rroço
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hysi
mesh_terms: D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology; D019229:Dentition, Permanent; D005260:Female; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010150:Paint
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical