Topical Fluorides in Dentistry

The current understanding of the caries process is that it is essentially a balance between factors that promote remineralization and those that cause demineralization. The use of fluorides, both systemic and topical, has been advocated by the World Health Organization as an appropriate means to prevent dental caries worldwide. For many years, it was thought that the most important mode of action of fluoride was through incorporation of fluoride into the enamel during tooth formation. However, the current concept is that fluoride exerts its effect topically after the tooth has erupted, primarily by inhibiting demineralization and enhancing remineralization. The caries remineralization ability of fluoride is considered to be the "gold standard". It is currently recognized as the main active ingredient in different fluoridated products and there have been various advances in the delivery methods of topical fluorides. This book highlights the mechanism of action and the various fluoride systems available in the market today which can control caries at its incipient stages and prevent its progression.