Comparative Evaluation of Remineralizing Efficacy of Fluoride Varnish and Its Combination Varnishes on White Spot Lesions in Children With ECC: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Early childhood caries (ECC) is the presence of 1 or more decayed (Non - Cavitated or Cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries) or filled tooth surface in any primary tooth in a child of 71 months of age or younger. In children younger than 3 years of age, any sign of smooth-surface caries is indicative of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). It is a virulent form of caries, which develops on smooth surfaces and progresses rapidly. In children aged 12 to 30 months it initially affects the maxillary primary incisors and first primary molars, reflecting the pattern of eruption.

In ECC, the first clinical observation of demineralization in enamel is the white spot lesion, which is characterized by enamel demineralization of the subsurface, with increasing porosity due to the removal of minerals into the outer surface. At this stage, the caries lesion is usually reversible.

In young children, remineralization can be achieved by Non- invasive methods that are very effective. Fluoride prevents the caries process, leading to the formation of less soluble fluorapatite crystals. Among them, Topical fluorides are the most respected regimen. On application of topical fluorides to the teeth, calcium fluoride-like globules are formed on the tooth surface. These globules are effective mineral reservoirs that help prevent demineralization and promote remineralization by releasing calcium, phosphate and fluoride following acid attacks.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends fluoride varnish in children. Randomized control trials have found it to be efficacious in primary teeth. Fluoride varnish can reverse or arrest caries lesions as well as prevent demineralization process of an incipient caries/white spot lesion, when combined with other preventive measures such as oral hygiene instructions & diet counseling.Children at increased caries risk should receive a professional fluoride treatment at least every six months. There is evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses that professionally applied topical fluoride treatments as five percent sodium fluoride varnish or 1.23 percent fluoride gel preparations are efficacious in reducing caries in children at caries risk.

Fluoride varnish works by increasing the concentration of fluoride in the outer surface of teeth, thereby enhancing fluoride uptake during early stages of demineralization. The varnish hardens on the tooth as soon as it contacts saliva, allowing the high concentration of fluoride to be in contact with tooth enamel for an extended period of time This is a much longer exposure compared to other high-dose topical fluorides such as gels or foams, with less risk of fluorosis even in children younger than 6 years.