The review suggests a substantial caries-inhibiting effect of fluoride varnish in both the permanent and the deciduous dentitions based largely on trials with no treatment controls. There is little information concerning acceptability of treatment or possible side effects in the included trials. Given the relatively poor quality of most of the included studies and the wide confidence intervals around the estimates of effect, there remains a need for further trials. It is important that these trials should be of high quality and include assessment of potential adverse effects.
The caries-preventive effect of a fluoride varnish in the fissures of the first permanent molar.
The aim of the present study was to assess the caries-preventive effect of topical application of Duraphat on the occlusal surface of newly erupted first permanent molars. A base-line examination was performed on children aged 5 years and 9 months. The children were randomly divided into a Duraphat group and a control group. In accordance with the anatomy of the fissure system, the molars were divided into shallow and deep fissures, respectively. From the time of eruption, 381 molars were examined every 3rd month during 24 months. Duraphat was applied every 6th month, altogether four times. The results showed that in the Duraphat group 35% of the fissures were decayed compared with 80% in the control group. Caries reduction amounted to 56%, and the caries-preventive effect was found in molars with shallow and deep fissures.