Fluoride varnish has superseded the traditional fluoride gel treatments because of ease of use and its safety due to single-dose dispensers.
These products have been shown to be effective in numerous clinical trials in children and adults, although some of the evidence is from studies conducted 20 to 30 years ago. Until recently, the agents for professionally applied fluoride treatments were 5% sodium fluoride varnish (NaF 22,500 ppm F), and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF 12,300 ppm F) gel. Norman Tinanoff, in Pediatric Dentistry (Sixth Edition), 2019 Professionally Applied Topical Fluorides
HOW TO CALCULATE PPM FLUORIDE IN VARNISH PROFESSIONAL
In summary, the evidence-based approach to clinical recommendations should be integrated with the practitioner's professional judgment and the patient's needs and preferences. 9 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has also endorsed the application of fluoride varnish in children up to 5 years of age. 6–8 A recent Cochrane review found that the application of fluoride varnish two to four times a year is associated with a substantial reduction in caries increment. It has been recommended for conditions in which decalcified enamel secondary to poor plaque removal or poor feeding practices is present. 20.1) has become a popular topical agent for preschool children and individuals with special health care needs. However, a recent report of the ADA Council of Scientific Affairs recommends only 2.26% fluoride varnish (5% sodium fluoride varnish) for children younger than 6 years because it does not have the risk of experiencing adverse events (particularly nausea and vomiting) associated with swallowing other forms of fluoride. There is evidence that the use of 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) and 5% sodium fluoride varnish is effective in preventing dental caries in children 6 years and older.
Topical application of highly concentrated forms of fluoride has been provided in clinical settings for many years.
Sivaraman, in Pediatric Dentistry (Sixth Edition), 2019 Professional Applications of Fluoride