How suitable are the different fluoride products for the prevention of tooth decay?
Cochrane Collaboration (an international network of researchers) analysed 15 trials that compared different fluoride products with each other. Fluoride products that are taken orally were not included in these studies. Most of the trials looked at children between the ages of 12 and 14. They usually compared the use of ordinary toothpaste with special fluoride products. So far it has not been possible to draw any reliable conclusions from the results of research in which two products, such as varnishes and gels, were directly compared with each other. The researchers only looked at the effects of fluoride products on the second set of teeth (permanent teeth). Their most important finding was that fluoride toothpastes appear to prevent tooth decay just as well as mouthwashes and gels. There is currently no strong evidence that fluoride varnishes applied by the dentist are better than toothpaste, mouthwashes or gels. The studies did not provide enough information about adverse effects su
