Review on fluoride varnishes currently recommended in dental prophylaxis

Abstract

In dentistry, fluoride compounds play a very important role in the development of teeth hard tissue. They have been modifying the development of the carious process for many years in accordance with the principles of minimally invasive therapy. Studies have confirmed their effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of carious lesions and erosion of deciduous and permanent teeth, as well as in the dentin hypersensitivity treatment. Typically, each varnish consists of 3 basic components, i.e., a resin usually in the form of mastic, shellac and/or rosin, an alcohol-based organic solvent (usually ethanol) and active agents. In the first-generation varnishes, the active agent is fluorine compounds, most often in the form of 5% NaF, while in second-generation varnishes, the composition is further enriched with calcium and phosphorus compounds in the form of CPP-ACP/CPP-ACPF, ACP, TCP, fTCP, CSPS, TMP, CXP, or CaGP. This influences the bioavailability of fluoride in the oral environment by increasing both its release from the product and its subsequent accumulation in enamel and plaque, promotes more efficient closure of dentinal tubules, and facilitates pH buffering in the oral cavity.