Biomaterial Database

Fluoride varnishes. 2003

Kevin J Donly

Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, TX 78229-3900, USA. donly@uthscsa.edu

Fluoride varnishes are available in the United States, and the Federal Drug Administration has approved a fluoride varnish for use as a cavity preparation lining varnish and as a tooth desensitizing agent. The literature, however, supports the use of fluoride varnishes to inhibit tooth demineralization and enhance remineralization. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of literature and make recommendations according to the available scientific evidence. Findings support the use of fluoride varnishes as a safe and effective topical fluoride agent.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007764	Lacquer	A liquid resinous varnish solubilized in a volatile solvent which may be combined with a pigment. It forms a hard, glossy, and protective coating when applied to wood or metal.	Lacquers
D002327	Cariostatic Agents	Substances that inhibit or arrest DENTAL CARIES formation. (Boucher's Clinical Dental Terminology, 4th ed)	Cariostatic Effect,Cariostatic Effects,Agent, Cariostatic,Agents, Cariostatic,Cariostatic Agent,Effect, Cariostatic,Effects, Cariostatic
D003731	Dental Caries	Localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. If left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp.	Caries, Dental,Carious Lesions,Dental Cavities,Dental Cavity,Dental Decay,Dental White Spots,Carious Dentin,Decay, Dental,Dental White Spot,White Spot, Dental,White Spots, Dental,Carious Dentins,Carious Lesion,Cavities, Dental,Cavity, Dental,Dentin, Carious,Dentins, Carious,Lesion, Carious,Lesions, Carious,Spot, Dental White,Spots, Dental White
D005460	Fluorides, Topical	Fluorides, usually in pastes or gels, used for topical application to reduce the incidence of DENTAL CARIES.	Fluoride Varnishes,Topical Fluorides,Varnishes, Fluoride
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012449	Safety	Freedom from exposure to danger and protection from the occurrence or risk of injury or loss. It suggests optimal precautions in the workplace, on the street, in the home, etc., and includes personal safety as well as the safety of property.	Safeties
D014089	Tooth Remineralization	Therapeutic technique for replacement of minerals in partially decalcified teeth.	Remineralization, Tooth