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Fluoride gel effective at reducing caries in children
1Centre for Evidence-based Dentistry, Dental Health Services Research Unit, Dundee University, Scotland, UK.
Evidence-Based Dentistry
|December 19, 2015
Summary
Topical fluoride gel significantly reduces caries in children's permanent teeth, with a 28% prevented fraction. Evidence for primary teeth is limited but also suggests a large effect, though adverse events require further study.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Preventive Dentistry
- Evidence-Based Dentistry
Background:
- Dental caries remains a significant global health issue in children.
- Topical fluoride applications are a cornerstone of caries prevention strategies.
- The efficacy of fluoride gel, particularly in comparison to placebo or no treatment, requires ongoing evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the caries-preventive effects of topical fluoride gel in children.
- To assess the impact of fluoride gel on caries increment in both permanent and primary dentitions.
- To evaluate the quality of evidence and identify potential sources of heterogeneity in study results.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases and trial registries.
- Inclusion of randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing topical fluoride gel with placebo or no treatment.
- Data extraction and risk of bias assessment by at least two reviewers, with meta-analyses and meta-regression for pooled data.
Main Results:
- Twenty-eight trials involving 9140 children were included, with most studies having a high risk of bias.
- Moderate quality evidence showed a 28% prevented fraction for decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (D(M)FS) in permanent teeth.
- Low quality evidence indicated a 20% prevented fraction for d(e/m)fs in primary teeth; limited data on adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
- Topical fluoride gel demonstrates a substantial caries-inhibiting effect in the permanent dentition, supported by moderate-quality evidence.
- While a large effect is suggested for primary teeth, the evidence is of low quality due to limited trials.
- Further research is needed to comprehensively assess adverse effects and treatment acceptability.
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