Therapeutic effect of two fluoride varnishes on white spot lesions: a randomized clinical trial

The aim of this randomized clinical trial study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of two varnish formulations (G1 = 5% NaF, G2 = 6% NaF + 6% CaF(2)) on the remineralization of white spot lesions (WSL). The sample was composed of 15 (7- to 12-year-old) children with 45 active WSL in anterior permanent teeth. The children were randomly divided into two groups providing 22 lesions for G1 and 23 for G2. The children were submitted to weekly varnish applications 4 times. The WSL were evaluated twice: baseline and on week 4. Maximum lesion dimensions (mesiodistal and incisogingival) were measured in millimeters and classified in four grades of size. WSL were also assessed regarding lesion activity by one calibrated examiner. The Pearson chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used (P < 0.01). WSL reductions were observed in both varnish groups (Chi-square = 0.15, d.f. = 1, P = 0.90), and with similar magnitude (in mm): 1.19 and 1.29 for G1 and G2, respectively. Thirty-six WSL (15 in G1 and 21 in G2) were classified as inactive on week 4, reaching an overall value of 80%. No difference was observed between G1 and G2 regarding activity scores (Fisher's exact test, p > 0.01). It was concluded that after 4 applications the two varnish formulations tested produced similar clinical effects, indicating the reduction and the control of carious activity in most WSL.