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Fluoride varnishes and decrease in caries incidence in preschool children: a systematic review
Denise Martins Carvalho1, Mariana Salazar, Branca Heloísa de Oliveira
1Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry; School of Dentistry, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. denise_dentist@yahoo.com.br
Summary
Professional application of fluoride varnish may reduce cavities in preschoolers. However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in preventing dental caries in young children.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Dental caries is a significant public health issue in preschool children.
- Early childhood caries (ECC) can lead to pain, infection, and impaired development.
- Preventive strategies are crucial for managing ECC in this age group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence on the effectiveness of professional fluoride varnish application in reducing dental caries incidence in preschool children.
- To assess the quality of existing clinical trials evaluating fluoride varnish for caries prevention in young children.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of controlled clinical trials.
- Searched multiple electronic databases (BBO, LILACS, MEDLINE, Cochrane).
- Inclusion criteria: cavitated caries lesions, children up to six years old.
Main Results:
- Eight studies met inclusion criteria out of 513 initially identified.
- Most studies had poor methodological quality and significant heterogeneity.
- Fluoride varnish showed a potential reduction in caries incidence, with preventive fractions ranging from 5% to 63%.
Conclusions:
- Fluoride varnish shows promise in decreasing dental caries incidence among preschoolers.
- Further high-quality, randomized clinical trials are essential to establish conclusive evidence.
- Improved study design is needed to address heterogeneity and methodological limitations.
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