Abstract
Question:
Is there randomized controlled trial evidence to support the use of fluoride gels for preventing dental caries?
Clinical Answer:
Moderate-quality evidence indicates that children or adolescents who have fluoride gel applied to their teeth, either by professionals or self-applied, are less likely to develop caries increment than those who have had no treatment or placebo. The mean reduction in caries on tooth surfaces was on average 28% per and on whole tooth was on average 32%. One RCT with 280 participants suggested that fluoride gel may reduce development of new caries lesions on the surfaces of permanent teeth.
Low-quality evidence suggests that fluoride gel can reduce caries increment on the surfaces of primary teeth (20 per 100 people, 95% CI 1% to 38%).
Adverse events evidence was very low quality. There was no clear difference between groups in nausea, gagging or vomiting.
Is there randomized controlled trial evidence to support the use of fluoride gels for preventing dental caries?
Clinical Answer:
Moderate-quality evidence indicates that children or adolescents who have fluoride gel applied to their teeth, either by professionals or self-applied, are less likely to develop caries increment than those who have had no treatment or placebo. The mean reduction in caries on tooth surfaces was on average 28% per and on whole tooth was on average 32%. One RCT with 280 participants suggested that fluoride gel may reduce development of new caries lesions on the surfaces of permanent teeth.
Low-quality evidence suggests that fluoride gel can reduce caries increment on the surfaces of primary teeth (20 per 100 people, 95% CI 1% to 38%).
Adverse events evidence was very low quality. There was no clear difference between groups in nausea, gagging or vomiting.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Type | Cochrane Clinical Answers |
| Publisher | Cochrane Collaboration |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |