What are the differences between the types of fluorides used?
Stannous fluoride, sodium fluoride, and acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) appear to be equally effective at preventing cavities. However, they differ in terms of application frequency, taste, cost, stability, gingival tissue acceptance, and staining tendency. Many stannous fluoride products have a bitter taste and some have been shown to cause tooth staining. Stannous fluoride may occasionally contribute to gingival irritation. On the basis of available research, stannous fluoride appears to be the most effective type from a bacteriostatic standpoint. Sodium fluoride has an acceptable taste and does not cause staining or gingival irritation. Its primary drawback is that it requires more office applications than APF. Acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) is usually applied biannually making it more convenient than sodium fluoride office topicals. APF is stable in plastic containers and is usually flavored for an acceptable taste. Use of a thixotropic APF gel can help preclude inadverten
