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Fluoride Varnish Full Summary Description:

Fluoride varnish is a concentrated topical fluoride containing 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) in a resin or synthetic base[1]. Bifluoride differs significantly in fluoride concentration at 6%. [2] Depending on the manufacturer, the preparations of varnish vary. It was first introduced in 1964 in Europe (Duraphat) and has been used widely in Europe since then[3, 4]. In 1994 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its use as a cavity liner and for treating hypersensitive teeth. However, fluoride varnish is not officially approved in the U.S. for use as a caries-preventive agent. [4] Therefore varnish is used for caries prevention among children and adults as an off-label use in the U.S.[5]. Varnish, when brushed onto the teeth, provides a highly concentrated dose of fluoride and maintains prolonged contact with enamel to inhibit caries. Fluoride varnish must be applied professionally and has been used for over 30 years since its introduction in the 60s. Two concentrations are available in the U.S. Products that contain 5 percent weight sodium fluoride (NaF) at a fluoride (Fl) concentration of 22,600 ppm include Duraphat@, Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals; Duraflor@, Pharmascience, Inc.; and CavityShield, Omni Oral Pharmaceuticals. One product containing difluorosilane at a lower FI concentration of 1,000 ppm (0.1%) is available: Fluor Protector@, Ivoclar-Vivadent. Varnish products that are available globally include Nupro (Dentsply), ClearShield (Zenith Dental), Bifluoride (Voco, Germany) and Vella (Preventech). Duraphat and Fluor protector are also available globally.

Use and application: Systematic reviews provide evidence for a caries-preventive effect in the young

permanent dentition when applied at least two times per year. In fact, 2-4 applications

per year are considered as the most cost-effective mode. [3-6] Fluoride varnish is

applied directly on the tooth surfaces and remains on the tooth surface for several hours.

Thorough drying of the tooth surfaces is not required because fluoride varnish sets on

contact with intra-oral moisture. Prior application of varnish professional prophylaxis of

teeth is not required; it is sufficient to brush the teeth. Among children, a small amount is

required for application, which is no more than a small drop for each arch.


The varnish should be applied in a thin layer (0.3-0.5 mL) to clean teeth using a

disposable brush or applicator. Once the varnish is applied, contamination with saliva is

not a concern because the varnish sets quickly. An application takes about one minute in

the usual child patient and can increase to up to 4 minutes if doing both arches. Patients

(and parents) are instructed to maintain a soft (nonabrasive) diet for the remainder of the

day and not to brush or floss the teeth until the following morning. Under these

conditions, the varnish remains on the teeth for a number of hours, especially in the pits

and fissures, the interproximal and the cervical areas, where it is most needed. Parents

should be told that the varnish coating will prevent the teeth from looking bright and

shiny, as is seen typically following a prophylaxis and conventional fluoride treatment.

Effectiveness and Efficacy: Numerous clinical trials have been conducted on fluoride varnish, and all have

been among children. In a Cochrane Database Review[7] on effectiveness of fluoride

varnish, randomized trials comparing varnish to placebo treatment were reviewed. A

total of 9 studies were included in the data analysis with a sample of 2,709 children. The

authors reported that fluoride varnish has substantial caries-inhibiting effects (pooled

prevention fractions were 46% for D(M)FS and 33% for d(e/m)fs). This was based

largely on trials that compared varnish to placebo control groups. The authors also

reported that there was little or no information on adverse effects of fluoride varnish. The

efficacy of fluoride varnish in the prevention of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) was

evaluated in a 2-year randomized controlled clinical trial. [4] This study included 376

caries-free children from low-income Chinese and Hispanic families located in the San

Francisco area. The authors found that the caries incidence was lower for “counseling +

fluoride varnish assigned once/year” (OR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.19–4.08) and “twice/year”

(OR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.88–7.58) versus counseling only. In a systematic review for the

NIH Consensus Conference, seven studies of fluoride varnish were compared[8]. The

analysis showed mixed effectiveness on primary teeth. However, some of the studies

that were included were not randomized clinical trials. In a systematic review of clinical

trials on fluoride varnish treatment for caries control 302 papers between 1966 and

2003were included,[9] of these 24 were randomized controlled trials. The trials that met


the inclusion criteria were reviewed, and the main outcome was preventive fraction

expressed as a percentage. The results showed evidence for caries-preventive effect of

fluoride varnish for permanent teeth in children. The average preventive fraction was

30% (0-69%) when compared with untreated controls. There was inconclusive evidence

for primary teeth and adults. In a review of seven studies on effectiveness of varnish in

primary teeth, the preventive fraction ranged from 5% to 44%[7]. Of the seven studies

reviewed in this study only 2 were randomized trials. Poulsen et al. [10] conducted a

systematic review evaluating the data available for the effectiveness of fluoride varnish

between 2000-2008. Six papers were included in the review, with preventive fraction

ranging between 34% to 57%. Furthermore, a review of reviews has confirmed that a

clear and similar effectiveness of topical fluoride toothpastes, mouth rinses, gels and

varnishes for preventing caries, and shows that approximately an additional 10%

reduction in caries can be expected when another topical fluoride is combined with

fluoride toothpaste.[11, 12]

In a large, systemic review of caries diagnostic and management methods 39 diagnostic

studies and 27 management studies were included. [13] In this review, the strength of

evidence for the efficacy of fluoride varnish for prevention of dental caries in high-risk

subjects was fair, and the evidence for all other methods was incomplete. While most

studies have been in favor of fluoride varnish, not all have shown effectiveness in public

health trials,[14] as there is a potential risk of publication bias.

Overall the caries-preventive fraction for fluoride varnish ranges from 20-50%. However,

treatment effect may be overestimated due to the relative lack of placebo-controlled

publications. Extensive laboratory research and clinical trials conducted in Europe have

reported that that fluoride varnishes are as efficacious as other caries-preventive agents.

[15] Fluoride varnishes are widely used in European caries-preventive programs.

Safety:

Studies evaluating safety and toxicity of fluoride varnish have been based on

amount ingested by children of different ages. [2] The ingestion occurs over several


hours and days following application of the varnish. The peak plasma concentration is

lower for varnish when compared to gel or mouth rinse. On average the amount of

varnish applied to treat one child is only 0.5 ml, which delivers 3-11 mg of fluoride ion.

[12] In a Cochrane review by Marinho et al. the authors reported that this dose is far

below the probable toxic dose (PTD) of 5 mg/kg body weight. [12] In fluoride varnish

studies conducted so far, no negative side effects have been reported. [16] In Europe,

Duraphat has been the most commonly used fluoride varnish among children for over

two decades, and it has not shown any adverse effects. [3]

Currently fluoride varnishes are used widely in Europe and Canada. Fluoride

varnish is increasingly being used in the U.S., and more clinical trials are being

conducted to evaluate fluoride varnish for use among children and adults.

Cost: Bawden (1998) reported that fluoride varnish applications cost about 65 cents,

including the cost of the brush. [2] The cost of trays is eliminated. Taken together, the

total cost of a varnish application may be slightly higher than a gel application, but the

advantages are considerable. In a study by Vaikuntam et al the authors reported the

estimated cost for varnish to be $1-$4 per application, depending on the brand. The

major expense is the personnel needed to apply the varnish. [17] Furthermore, fluoride

varnish takes less time, creates less patient discomfort and achieves greater patient

acceptability, especially in pre-school children, compared with fluoride gel.[18]

In a cost analysis of school-based fluoride varnish and fluoride rinsing programs

reported in Sweden the outcome and costs of fluoride varnish treatment (FVT) and

fluoride mouth rinse programs (FMR) were modeled. [9] The FVT program had a better

outcome in reducing caries than FMR, and costs were lower. The FVT was expected to

result in cost containment compared to controls 3 years after the end of the preventive

FVT program. The ratios of benefits to costs were 1.8: 1 for FVT and 0.9: 1 for FMR.

Therefore, prevention by FVT may result in cost containment at a benefit-cost ratio of

1.8: 1, given that the program for children can be administered at school.


Recommendations for community-based protocol: 1. The scientific evidence for community-based use of fluoride varnish is based on

studies conducted in children. [2] There is a lack of evidence documenting its

effectiveness for high-risk adults. The current recommendations suggest that 5%

NaF varnish should be used every six months or 2-4 times per year. If only 1

topical fluoride agent is being used (in addition to fluoride dentifrice), and

professional personnel are available, varnish is preferred to APF gel and may be

preferable to 0.2% NaF mouth rinse. [19] Fluoride varnish is even more effective

if the community water is optimally fluoridated.

2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that based on

the evidence from studies, fluoride varnish is effective with biannual applications,

i.e., 2 applications, 6 months apart. [4] The CDC recommends that the target

population for this recommendation be those at “high-risk”. This is based on

evidence from randomized clinical trials. Some studies suggest 4 applications per

year. Whether this improves the benefits when compared to 2 applications is not

evident. The strength of recommendation by CDC for fluoride varnish was rated

as “A” which means “good evidence.”

3. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Statement (2001) regarding

fluoride varnish reported that the evidence for benefit from applying fluoride

varnish to permanent teeth is positive. [20] However, the evidence for primary

teeth is incomplete.

4. The World Health Organization (WHO) provided separate recommendations for

high-caries and low-caries communities. [21] For high-caries communities WHO

recommends varnish application for all children 2-4 times in a year. [22] This will

decrease caries by 30-40%. For low-caries communities, varnish can be used for

children based on their history of caries.


5. In a systemic review by Azarpazhooh and Main (2008), the authors summarized

the recommendations for use of fluoride varnish for the prevention of caries

among high-risk children and adolescents. [23] These recommendations were

based on 105 scientific studies and reviews. The recommendations are:

a. Fluoride varnish should be applied twice a year unless there is no risk of

caries based on past and current caries history.

b. Single-dose packages of varnish should be used for children, and these

packages should be stirred vigorously to ensure any precipitated fluoride

is dissolved.

c. There is good evidence that varnish complements other preventive

strategies such as sealants, tooth brushing and counseling.


References: 1. ASTDD. Fluoride Varnish: an Evidence-Based Approach. Association of State

and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD), Research Brief, Fluorides Committee. 2007.

2. Petersson LG, Twetman S, Dahlgren H, et al. Professional fluoride varnish treatment for caries control: a systematic review of clinical trials. Acta Odontol Scand. Jun 2004;62(3):170-176.

3. Seppa L. Fluoride Varnishes in Caries Prevention. Medical Principles and Practice. 2004;13:307-311.

4. Weintraub JH, L. Fluoride varnish for caries prevention: comparisons with other preventive agents and recommendations for a community-based protocol. Special Care Dentistry. 2003;23(5):180-186.

5. Weintraub J, Ramos-Gomez F, Jue B, et al. Fluoride Varnish Efficacy in Preventing Early Childhood Caries. Journal of Dental Research. 2006;85(2):172-176.

6. Recommendations for using fluoride to prevent and control dental caries in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMWR Recomm Rep. Aug 17 2001;50(RR-14):1-42.

7. Marinho VC, Higgins JP, Logan S, Sheiham A. Fluoride varnishes for preventing dental caries in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002(3):CD002279.

8. Rozier R. Effectiveness of methods used by dental professionals for the primary prevention of dental caries. Journal of Dental Education. 2001;65:1063-1072.

9. Sköld U, Petersson L, Birkhed D, Norlund A. Cost-analysis of school-based fluoride varnish and fluoride rinsing programs. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica. 2009;66(5):286 - 292.

10. Poulsen S. Fluoride-containing gels, mouth rinses and varnishes: an update of evidence of efficacy. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. Sep 2009;10(3):157-161.

11. Marinho VC. Cochrane reviews of randomized trials of fluoride therapies for preventing dental caries. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. Sep 2009;10(3):183-191.

12. Marinho VC. Evidence-based effectiveness of topical fluorides. Adv Dent Res. 2008;20(1):3-7.

13. Bader J, Shugars D, Bonito A. Systematic Reviews of Selected Dental Caries Diagnostic and Management Methods. Journal of Dental Education. 2001;65(10):960-968.

14. Hardman MC, Davies GM, Duxbury JT, Davies RM. A cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of fluoride varnish as a public health measure to reduce caries in children. Caries Res. 2007;41(5):371-376.

15. Beltran-Aguilar E, Goldstein J, Lockwood S. Fluoride Varnishes: A Review of Their Clinical Use, Cariostatic Mechanism, Efficacy and Safety Journal of the American Dental Association. 2000;131(5):589-596.

16. Seppa L. Efficacy and safety of fluoride varnishes. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 1999;20(1 Suppl):18-26; quiz 34-15.

17. Vaikuntam J. Fluoride varnishes: should we be using them? Pediatric Dentistry. 2000;22:513-516.

18. Professionally applied topical fluoride: evidence-based clinical recommendations. J Am Dent Assoc. Aug 2006;137(8):1151-1159.


19. Miller EK, Vann WF, Jr. The use of fluoride varnish in children: a critical review with treatment recommendations. J Clin Pediatr Dent. Summer 2008;32(4):259-264.

20. NIH. Diagnosis and Management of Dental Caries Throughout Life National Institutes of Health: Consensus Development Conference Statement. 2001;March 26-28.

21. Petersson L, Twetman S, Pakhomov G. Fluoride varnish for community-based caries prevention in children. World Health Organization (WHO). 1997;Geneva.

22. Weinstein P, Spiekerman C, Milgrom P. Randomized equivalence trial of intensive and semiannual applications of fluoride varnish in the primary dentition. Caries Res. 2009;43(6):484-490.

23. Azarpazhooh A, Main P. Fluoride varnish in the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents: a systemic review. Journal of Canadian Dental Association. 2008;74(1):73-79.

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