title: Topical fluoride for caries prevention: executive summary of the updated clinical recommendations and supporting systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A panel of experts convened by the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs presents evidence-based clinical recommendations regarding professionally applied and prescription-strength, home-use topical fluoride agents for caries prevention. These recommendations are an update of the 2006 ADA recommendations regarding professionally applied topical fluoride and were developed by using a new process that includes conducting a systematic review of primary studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors conducted a search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for clinical trials of professionally applied and prescription-strength topical fluoride agents--including mouthrinses, varnishes, gels, foams and pastes--with caries increment outcomes published in English through October 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The panel included 71 trials from 82 articles in its review and assessed the efficacy of various topical fluoride caries-preventive agents. The panel makes recommendations for further research.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The panel recommends the following for people at risk of developing dental caries: 2.26 percent fluoride varnish or 1.23 percent fluoride (acidulated phosphate fluoride) gel, or a prescription-strength, home-use 0.05 percent fluoride gel or paste or 0.09 percent fluoride mouthrinse for patients 6 years or older. Only 2.26 percent fluoride varnish is recommended for children younger than 6 years. The strengths of the recommendations for the recommended products varied from "in favor" to "expert opinion for." As part of the evidence-based approach to care, these clinical recommendations should be integrated with the practitioner's professional judgment and the patient's needs and preferences.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Weyant is a professor and the chair, Department of Dental Public Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. He was the chairman of the panel.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Weyant
authors.forename: Sharon L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Tracy
authors.forename: Theresa Tracy
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Anselmo
authors.forename: Eugenio D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Beltrán-Aguilar
authors.forename: Kevin J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Donly
authors.forename: William A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Frese
authors.forename: Philippe P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Hujoel
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Iafolla
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Kohn
authors.forename: Jayanth
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: Norman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tinanoff
authors.forename: J Timothy
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Domenick
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zero
authors.forename: Krishna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Aravamudhan
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Frantsve-Hawley
authors.forename: Daniel M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Meyer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D009067:Mouthwashes
keywords: Caries prevention; caries; evidence-based dentistry; fluoride; practice guidelines; preventive dentistry