A Review of Slow-Release Fluoride Devices

K.J. Toumba, N.S. Al-Ibrahim, M.E.J. Curzon

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fluoride has been used to combat dental caries using a number of different clinical approaches. An exciting relatively new development is fluoride slow-releasing devices that consistently elevate intra-oral fluoride levels of plaque and saliva for prolonged periods of up to two years. METHODS: The literature on the use of slow-releasing fluoride devices in dentistry were reviewed. A Medline search on key words was carried out. All papers in English were individually reviewed. RESULTS: Slow-releasing fluoride devices have been shown to be effective in elevating salivary fluoride levels in both animals and human studies and to enhance the remineralisation of dental enamel. They have been demonstrated to be safe to use and without the risk of fluoride toxicity. A double blind randomised clinical trial demonstrated 76% fewer new carious surface increment in high caries-risk children after two years. CONCLUSIONS: These devices have a number of potential uses in dentistry and in particular have great potential for caries prevention of non-compliant high caries-risk groups.

Key words: Fluoride, slow-releasing fluoride devices, dental caries

Eur Archs Paediatr Dent 2009;10(3):175-182

Dept. of Paediatric Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, Leeds, UK.

Postal address: Prof. K.J. Toumba. Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9LU, U.K.
Email: k.j.toumba@leeds.ac.uk