Reducing white spot lesions in orthodontic populations with fluoride rinsing

A clinical study was conducted to determine if rinsing frequency with a neutral 0.05% sodium fluoride rinse influenced white spot lesion formation associated with orthodontic brackets. Patients from two private orthodontic practices participated. Each received home-care instructions and were told to use 10 ml of sodium fluoride rinse daily before bedtime. The rinse was supplied free of charge to determine if this affected compliance with its prescribed use. Compliance was measured by recording the number of bottles used by each patient. As assessment of oral hygiene status was conducted, and at the time of debonding, white spot lesions were recorded. Only 13% of the 206 participants fully complied with the rinse protocol; 42% of the subjects used 10 ml approximately every other day; and 45% used the rinse less frequently. A significant dose response relationship was noted in which those who rinsed at least once every other day had fewer lesions (21%) than those who rinsed less frequently (49%). It was concluded that a significant reduction in enamel white spot lesions can be achieved during orthodontic therapy through the use of a 10 ml neutral sodium fluoride rinse. The more closely patients complied with the prescribed use, the more likely they could expect a decrease in the occurrence of lesions.