Use of in-office fluorides in the Greater Houston area

The purpose of this study was to determine the types of fluorides and techniques used for the application of in-office fluorides in the Houston area. A telephone survey was conducted using a stratified random sample of 262 dentists. Approximately 39% of the offices contacted chose to respond to the survey. Only one of the 101 dental offices responding was using an ADA approved professional fluoride product and technique: 1.23% APF for 4 minutes. While 41.6% or 42 of the respondents were using 1.23% APF, they were administering the fluoride for 2 minutes or less with the majority (38 out of 42) administering for only 1 minute. The second most number of respondents (35.6%) reported using a dual rinse type product consisting of 0.31% APF and 1.64% SnF2. Of the 101 respondents, 12.8% reported the use of sodium fluoride gels and rinses. Of these 13 respondents, 9 were using 2.0% NaF but for less than the recommended 4 minute application time. The other 4 were using 2.0% rinse which is more appropriate as a weekly-use rinse. The remaining respondents (9.8%) reported the use of a stannous fluoride containing less fluoride than the approved 8.0%. Of these 10 respondents, 3 were using 0.63% SnF2 and 7 were using 0.4% SnF2. One office reported the use of a non-fluoride containing mouthrinse used as an in-office fluoride treatment. This response is not included in the data as it does not qualify as a type of fluoride product.