Effect of a sodium fluoride varnish on the progress of initial caries lesions

Effect of applications of a sodium fluoride varnish, Duraphat, on progress of initial caries lesions was studied in 11-13-year-old children. All 60 children included in the study had high caries activity and life-long exposure to fluoridated drinking water. The varnish was applied semiannually using the half mouth technique, and annual clinical and radiographic examinations were made for 3 years. The treatment had little effect on the progress of initial caries lesions present before the first application of varnish. The progress of caries lesions formed during the study was inhibited more distinctly, and the difference between test and control side in the rate of progress of caries lesions was highly statically significant. Use of fluoride varnish seems to help prevent further development of early caries lesions.