Review of fluorosis risk of self-applied topical fluorides: dentifrices, mouthrinses and gels

Abstract

The literature on the risks of dental fluorosis and the benefits from the use of fluoride dentifrices, mouthrinses and self-applied gels has been briefly reviewed. While there are several studies that have investigated the impact of dentifrices on the development of dental fluorosis, results are mixed. Although there is far less research investigating the relationship between the use of mouthrinses and dental fluorosis, the available evidence generally fails to identify this technology as one of the major causes of dental fluorosis. Although there is little direct evidence to suggest that the use of self-applied fluoride gels contributes to the development of dental fluorosis, ingestion of fluoride from these systems is of genuine concern and their use by preschool age children is not recommended.