The American Dental Association (ADA) has published a clinical evidence based research study recommending topical fluoride as a preventive measure for reduction of caries in children, adolescents and adults. An expert panel of dental professionals “evaluated the collective body of scientific evidence on the effectiveness of professionally applied topical fluoride for caries prevention.”  and here is a summary of the panel’s conclusions, based on the evidence:

Fluoride Varnish is effective in preventing caries

Patients who are at higher risk of developing caries may benefit the most from Fluoride treatment.

There are a considerable amount of reserach data proving caries reduction as a result of professionally applied topical fluoride varnish treatments of four minutes or more.

Fluoride varnish applied every six months is effective in preventing caries in both primary and permanent teeth.

Two or more applications of fluoride varnish per year are effective in preventing or arresting caries from developing in susceptible teeth.

From the evidence presented it was determined that Fluoride Varnish treatment is most beneficial to people with moderate to high risk of caries. High risk is defined by combination of factors such as previous history of tooth decay, presence of multiple incipient or cavitated primary or secondary carious lesions during the last three years, low saliva flow or other factors such as smoking and diabetes.

Here at Modern Smiles Dental Office in North Hollywood, our goal is to prevent our patients from ever reaching moderate or high risk categories. Proper oral care with periodic periodontal maintenance in conjunction with good home care and Fluoride treatment can lower your risk for caries and periodontal disease. Furthermore, topical fluoride applications can be applied to treat hypersensitivity in some patients, especially when large calculus deposits are removed during scaling and root planing (Deep Cleanings).

To learn more about how Fluoride treatment can help maintain your healthy and beautiful smile get in touch with us at Modern Smiles in North Hollywood either online or by calling 818.763.9353 today.