Topical Fluorides. A literature review

Dental caries is a multi factorial, bacterial, chronic infection that affects millions of people in the world and has become a public health problem. Also referred to as tooth decay, this disease is one of the most common disorders throughout the world, second only to the common cold. Dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States and is 5 to 7 times more common than asthma. According to the World Oral Health Report in 2003, dental caries affect 60-80% of school children and a vast majority of adults. Dental caries is a chronic bacterial infection of the hard tissue of the tooth that is characterized by alternating phases of demineralization and remineralization. Dental decay can lead to significant pain and dysfunction that can interfere with basic functions such as eating, sleeping, and speaking. If left untreated, dental caries can result in cavities forming and, eventually, tooth loss. Although the prevalence and severity of dental caries has decreased over the years, this disease can be controlled better with proper fluoride exposure.

Fluoride dentifrices have been shown in numerous clinical trials to be effective anticaries agents and have been recognized as a major cause of the remarkable decline in caries prevalence in many developed countries. Dentifrices have been widely adopted around the world as the principle means of delivering topical fluoride and obtaining caries preventive benefits. Although there is documented literature on the use of topical fluorides, the issue needs to be further researched based on the recent documented literature and guidelines regarding use of topical fluorides. Hence, the present review was conducted with the aim to review the available literature on the use and effectiveness of different topical fluorides used in dentistry.