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.
Effect of fluoride varnish (Duraphat) in preschool children.
The caries-preventive effect of semiannual applications of a fluoride varnish (Duraphat) was tested for 2 years in 225 3-year-old children; 113 children served as a control group. At the baseline examination, 69% of the children in the test group and 75% in the control group were caries-free. The results after 2 years showed an average caries increment of 2.1 surfaces in the test group and 3.7 in the control group. The difference is statistically significant. Thirty-eight percent of the children in the test group and 27% in the control group were still caries-free. The caries reduction was 44%.