preferences , to treat people at risk for developing caries and to prescribe :
• 2.26 % fluoride varnish or 1.23 % fluoride ( acidulated phosphate fluoride ) gel , or a prescription-strength , home-use fluoride ( 0.5 %) gel or paste , or 0.09 % fluoride mouthrinse if 6 years or older
• 2.26 % fluoride varnish in children under 6 . 10
Additionally , the results of a meta-analysis published in 2020 showed that professionally and self-applied fluorides are both effective in preventing root caries and that fluoride mouthrinses and fluoride toothpaste , whether used alone or in combination , reduced root caries after one year . 12
The three self-applied topical fluoride treatments that showed the best results for preventing root caries after a year of use included : 0.2 % sodium fluoride mouthrinse ; 1100 ppm and 1500 ppm fluoride toothpaste and 0.05 % sodium fluoride mouthrinse used together ; and 1100 ppm to 1500 ppm fluoride toothpaste used alone . 11
Also critical to deciding a caries-prevention treatment approach is the patient ’ s attitude . Clinicians must try to determine if a patient is receptive to patient education , ready to commit to a change in routine , and willing to accept advice on their dietary habits and any other possible preventive measures . 13
Daily Fluoride Use Recommendations
Generally , adults should brush twice daily ( morning and evening ) with a pea-sized amount of OTC fluoridated toothpaste unless otherwise directed by a dentist or physician .
Reinforcing the Importance of Fluoride Use for Lifelong Dental Health
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