The Efficacy of Slow-Release Fluoride Devices in Combating Dental Caries

The efficacy of slow-release fluoride devices in combating dental caries

* A literature review

A thesis submitted to McGill University in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of Science

Adam Segal

Supervisors:

Dr. Jacques Veronneau DDS

Dr. Simon Tran DMD, PhD, FRCD(C)

School of Graduate and Postdoctoral studies

Faculty of Dentistry

McGill University

Montreal, Quebec

Canada March, 2012

Table of Contents

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………………4-7

Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………………………8

List of Figures and Tables……………………………………………………………………………..9-10

List of abbreviations………………………………………………………………………………….…11

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………12-18

Background and History……………………………………………………………………………….19-26

Search Methodology and inclusion criteria…………………………………………………..27-34

Materials and Methods…………………………………………………………………………………35-45

Results…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..46-55

Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………………………..56-65

Conclusion……………………………….……………………………………………………………………66-67

Appendix I……………………………………………………………………………………………………..68-69

References…………………………………………………………………………………………………….70-74

Figure and Table References………………………………………………………………………….75-77

Abstract

The aim of this project was to conduct a thorough literature review on past and current slow- release fluoride randomized-control trials to determine whether the devices are effective in treating high caries-risk patients who traditionally do not comply with oral hygiene standards. Such high risk individuals are often characterized by rampant prior caries experience, low socioeconomic status, high streptococcus mutans counts in the saliva and inadequate levels of fluoride in their drinking water supply. Based upon the current literature the consensus is that the slow-release...