Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the evidenced-based dentistry recommendations for the use of fluoride in caries prevention
• Understand the mechanism of action of fluoride
• Identify which patients would benefit from systemic fluoride supplementation
• List and perform the steps of applying fluoride varnish to a patient’s dentition

Module Outline

• History of fluoride
• Introduction
• Fluoride delivery method 
• When to utilize fluoride in oral disease prevention 
• Contraindications
• Safety and toxicity  
• Fluoride varnish application step-by-step procedure
• Key points

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Barker, J. C., Guerra, C., Gonzalez-Vargas, M. J., & Hoeft, K. S. (2016). Acceptability of Salt Fluoridation in a Rural Latino Community in the United States: An Ethnographic Study. PloS one, 11(7), e0158540. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0158540

Beltran, E. D., & Burt, B. A. (1988). The pre- and posteruptive effects of fluoride in the caries decline. Journal of public health dentistry, 48(4), 233–240. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-7325.1988.tb03204.x

Croll, T. P., & Berg, J. (2020). Delivery Methods of Silver Diammine Fluoride to Contacting Proximal Tooth Surfaces and History of Silver in Dentistry. Compendium of continuing education in dentistry (Jamesburg, N.J. : 1995), 41(2), 84–90.

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Lynch R. J. (2013). The primary and mixed dentition, post-eruptive enamel maturation and dental caries: a review. International dental journal, 63 Suppl 2, 3–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12076

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Mohd Said, S. N., Ekambaram, M., & Yiu, C. K. (2017). Effect of different fluoride varnishes on remineralization of artificial enamel carious lesions. International journal of paediatric dentistry, 27(3), 163–173. https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.12243

O’Mullane, D. M., Baez, R. J., Jones, S., Lennon, M. A., Petersen, P. E., Rugg-Gunn, A. J., Whelton, H., & Whitford, G. M. (2016). Fluoride and Oral Health. Community dental health, 33(2), 69–99.

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Recommendations for using fluoride to prevent and control dental caries in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMWR Recomm Rep 2001; 50: pp. 1-42. Available at: https://www-cdc-gov.proxy.lib.ohio-state.edu/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5014a1.htm

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The story of fluoridation. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Retrieved June 19, 2022, from https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/fluoride/the-story-of-fluoridation

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Panel on Community Water Fluoridation (2015). U.S. Public Health Service Recommendation for Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water for the Prevention of Dental Caries. Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974), 130(4), 318–331. https://doi.org/10.1177/003335491513000408

Whitford G. M. (2011). Acute toxicity of ingested fluoride. Monographs in oral science, 22, 66–80. https://doi.org/10.1159/000325146