How Fluoride Works

Fluoride is an important part of a lifetime of good oral health. Not only has the use of fluoride varnish for caries prevention been endorsed by the ADA,¹ it also helps treat tooth hypersensitivity to things like hot and cold temperatures or tooth whitening treatments.² 

Fluoride is a negatively charged ion that is naturally attracted to the calcium and phosphate ions that make up tooth enamel. Calcium and phosphate ions are susceptible to acid, which leads to caries and decay. Although regular hygiene and brushing can sweep away bacteria, brushing does not address damage already done to the enamel. Introducing fluoride ions to calcium and phosphate strengthens the enamel and can even help to remineralize it. 

Many toothpastes and mouthwashes contain fluoride, but the longer fluoride is in contact with the tooth the more effective it is. Using a fluoride varnish will keep fluoride on the teeth for a longer period of time, ensuring that patients get all the benefits a fluoride treatment can offer. 

How to Choose a Fluoride Varnish

Taste and texture are decisive factors to consider when choosing a fluoride varnish. Your patient's compliance may drop or they may brush the varnish off too soon if it feels gritty or fuzzy, if they don't like the flavor, or if they are embarrassed because of the visible texture of the varnish on their teeth. In fact, a recent survey showed that more than 80% of dental professionals feel that the product's texture on the teeth is an important aspect to consider when choosing a fluoride varnish.³  The more natural a varnish looks and feels, the longer the patient will leave it on their teeth, allowing the varnish to deliver the maximum amount of fluoride ion to every tooth. Enamelast fluoride varnish has a smooth texture and translucent appearance that increase patient comfort and, as a result, probable wear time.

These before-and-after photos of an Enamelast fluoride varnish application show the smooth texture and nearly invisible appearance.

Of course, the effectiveness of a fluoride varnish is incredibly important. Major factors to consider when selecting a fluoride varnish include adhesion, fluoride release, and fluoride uptake. A study found that Enamelast varnish delivered the highest overall amount of fluoride to the patient's teeth and sustained a higher fluoride release over a 24-hour period than its competitors, with peak fluoride release at four hours wear time. 

As a whole, the ability of fluoride varnish to adhere to the teeth for an extended period of time is responsible for its rise in popularity among clinicians. In contrast, mouthwashes and gels that contain fluoride are easily washed away, and adhesion and fluoride uptake vary greatly among varnishes currently available on the market. For a fluoride varnish to provide the best results it must adhere to the teeth for the entire recommended time. Thus, the product's adhesive capabilities play a direct role in the varnish's ability to deliver the full benefits of fluoride to the patient. Enamelast varnish features a patented adhesion-promoting agent that enhances retention and allows for higher fluoride uptake than any other fluoride varnish in its class, including the market leader, 3M^™ Vanish.^{™ 6}

Lately there has been much discussion in the dental community about varnishes and rapid fluoride release. Much of this is in response to concerns about efficacy and patient comfort. In the video below, Dr. Jaleena Jessop, DDS, (Vice President of Clinical Affairs) joins Carol Jent, RDH, to discuss this trend, explain why rapid release isn’t necessarily desirable, and illustrate why Enamelast varnish is more effective.