Slow-release fluoride devices: a literature review

Area of Science:

• Dental Research
• Caries Prevention
• Fluoride Therapy

Background:

• Dental caries prevalence has decreased but become polarized, with a few individuals experiencing most disease.
• High-risk patients present challenges in compliance and attendance for conventional dental care.
• Slow-release fluoride devices aim to address these challenges by providing continuous fluoride delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effectiveness of slow-release fluoride devices in caries prevention.
• To discuss the two main types of slow-release fluoride devices: copolymer membrane and glass bead.
• To highlight the potential of these devices for high-caries-risk populations.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing studies on slow-release fluoride devices.
• Analysis of data on intra-oral fluoride concentrations and caries experience.
• Evaluation of animal and human studies on device efficacy and protection of occlusal surfaces.

Main Results:

• Slow-release fluoride devices effectively increase intra-oral fluoride levels, reducing enamel solubility and providing caries protection.
• These devices demonstrate efficacy in protecting occlusal surfaces, which are often not covered by conventional fluoride treatments.
• Device retention rates remain a significant challenge requiring further improvement.

Conclusions:

• Slow-release fluoride devices show promising results for caries prevention in high-risk groups.
• Continuous low-level intra-oral fluoride delivery has substantial potential for managing dental caries.
• Further randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm the clinical utility and optimize the application of these devices.