Fluoride – a guide for dental nurses

Aim

To look at fluoride varnishes available for caries prevention in the UK.

Objectives

The reading and CPD will meet GDC criteria for Development Outcome C

Fluoride can be taken into the crystalline structure of enamel to form fluorapatite crystals, replacing the normal hydroxyapatite crystal structure. Fluorapatite can resist acid attack to a greater degree and thereby reduces the solubility of enamel in acid. Fluoride also has an inhibitory effect on the feeding rate of oral bacteria, which produce fewer, weaker acids and polysaccharides to initiate the carious attack.

Pre-eruptive effects

Enamel formed in the presence of fluoride tends to have more rounded cusps and fissure pattern, but the effect is small. Discontinuation of systemic fluoride results in an increase in caries, therefore pre-eruptive effects must be limited. It is incorrect to suggest that fluoride is only beneficial to children or that it must be incorporated into developing enamel in order to have an effect.