[Clinical considerations apropos of topical fluorides in the control of dental caries]

Abstract

Studies on the caries reducing effect of topical fluorides have provided a great understanding of their therapeutic role in caries control. It is believed that topically applied fluorides interfere with dental tissue demineralisation and reduce the rate of caries progression. According to this assumption, topical fluorides are recommended to both children and adults as a measure to control coronal as well as root caries. In the present review, some aspects of caries development and arrest are considered and the reasoning behind topical fluoride application is discussed. Guidelines concerning self-applied and professionally applied topical fluorides regimes according to the patient's caries risk and caries activity are presented.