Fluoride varnish application: a new prophylactic method in Albania. Effect on enamel carious lesions in permanent dentition.

AIM The aim of this study is to assess the effects of fluoride varnishes on enamel caries lesions on permanent dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS 92 children from primary school (Vasil Shanto, Tirana, Albania) aged 11-12 years were divided into varnish (experimental) and control group. The experiment group received the first fluoride varnish application (Fluoridin, Voco) at baseline, the second application after 3 months and the third application at 6 months from baseline, while the children in the control group received no professional fluoride application. Examinations were performed at baseline and after 7 months. RESULTS We observed a slight increase in caries prevalence in the control group compared with the varnish group at the 7 month interval (P <0.1 for DMFT and P <0.5 for DMFS and DS). When enamel lesions were included the mean of DeMFT, DeMFS, DeS the caries prevalence was significantly lower in the varnish group after 7 months (P <0.001 for DeMFT, DeMFS). CONCLUSION Fluoride varnish is an effective mean for arresting early enamel lesions. It is a safe, convenient and well accepted method by patients.