Influence of various fluoride varnishes on mineral loss under plaque

The influence of various fluoride varnishes on mineral loss was studied in a clinical caries mode for periods of up to 6 months. Plaque accumulation on the enamel was kept intact to promote a substantial de mineralizing challenge. Fluoride contamination from dentifrices was avoided. The varnishes investigated were Fluor Protector® (FP) with fluoride concentrations of 0.7%, 0.1%, 0.05% and Duraphat®. An unfluoridated varnish was used as control. 15 participants, divided into two experimental groups, carried varnished human enamel slabs in prostheses for 2, 4 or 6 months. At the end of each experimental period microradiography was performed and mineral loss, lesion depth and mineral distribution of the demineralized enamel were measured. No difference in effect between FP 0.7%, FP 0.1% and FP 0.05% could be measured after 4 or 6 months. After 4 months all urethane varnishes showed better protective properties than Duraphat; no difference was observed between Duraphat and the untreated control. After 6 months, however, the effect of all fluoridated varnishes was comparable, in that their protective effect was no longer measurable