Retrospective Evaluation of Fluoride Varnish Application Programs and Their Impact on Early Childhood Caries.

BACKGROUND

Children under the age of 6 years have their dental health affected by "Early Childhood Caries (ECC)," which is still a common public health concern. Because fluoride varnish can remineralize enamel and suppress bacterial development, it has emerged as a viable preventative strategy.

OBJECTIVE

Using patient data from a tertiary care center from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020, this retrospective research attempts to assess the effect of fluoride varnish treatment programs on ECC incidence and severity.

METHODS

Children between the ages of 0 and 6 years who had fluoride varnish applied during regular dental appointments met the inclusion criteria. Data on ECC diagnosis, severity, frequency of use of fluoride varnish, and demographics were retrieved.

RESULTS

A demographic analysis showed that the population was mostly Caucasian. Applications of fluoride varnish showed a dose-response association with ECC incidence, meaning that an increase in application frequency resulted in a substantial decrease in ECC (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In summary, regular use of fluoride varnish shows promise in lowering the frequency of enamel chipping, highlighting the significance of preventative actions. To achieve equitable oral health outcomes for children, it is imperative to implement strategies aimed at improving program accessibility and optimizing efficacy.