Minerals

Topical Fluoride

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Topical Fluoride, Stannous Fluoride, Dental Fluoride Treatment, Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride, Sodium Fluoride Mouthwash, Sodium Fluoride Toothpaste, ACT Rinse, Prevident, Dentagel, Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste, Gel-Kam, Phos-Flur

  • See Also
  1. Fluoride Supplementation
  2. Oral Health in Children
  • Indications
  1. Dental carie prevention in older children and adults
  • Mechanism
  1. Fluoride inhibits tooth demineralization and promotes remineralization
  2. Fluoride inhibits plaque Bacteria
  • Precautions
  1. Do not use Topical Fluoride in children under age 6 years
    1. See Fluoride Supplementation instead
  2. Rinse, brush or apply for 1 minute and then spit out
  3. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using
  • Medications
  1. See Fluoride Supplementation
  2. Neutral Sodium Fluoride (e.g. Prevident, ACT, Dentagel, SF 5000 plus)
    1. Most common formulation used
      1. Does not etch of stain restorations or white fillings
    2. Prevident Rinse weekly (prescription)
    3. ACT Rinse daily (OTC)
    4. Dentagel
      1. Applied as thin ribbon with ToothBrush or mouth tray daily at bedtime after brushing
    5. SF 5000 Plus
      1. Use in place of regular toothpaste at bedtime
  3. Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (e.g. Phos-Flur)
    1. Prevents white demineralization areas (e.g. braces)
  4. Stannous Fluoride (e.g. Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste, Gel-Kam)
    1. Offers protection against tooth sensitivity and Gingivitis
    2. Risk of tooth staining
  • Resources
  1. CDC Fluoride
    1. http://www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/fluoride_products/
  • References
  1. (2013) Presc Lett 20(9): 53-4
  2. (2025) Presc Lett 32(5): 27-8
  3. Nassar Y, Brizuela M (2023) The Role of Fluoride on Caries Prevention, StatPearls +PMID: 36508516 [PubMed]