Caries-preventive effects of fluoride products when used in conjunction with fluoride dentifrice

Toothbrushing with fluoride dentifrice has become an important public healt h measure in preventing caries and gingivitis. Since the fluoride concentra tion in dentifrices does not provide absolute protection for everyone and i s limited by legal regulations, the question about the efficacy of addition al use of topical fluoride products arises. In children aged 9-15 years, th e biannual application of Duraphat (R) varnish in school-based programmes p rovides a caries inhibition of 38%. A caries inhibition of up to 40% can al so be achieved by gels containing 1.25% fluoride, if applied 30 times per y ear. in subjects with a risk of root caries, the daily use of a 250-500 ppm fluoride solution seems to be advisable, Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.