FLUORIDE DELIVERY SYSTEMS: ENHANCING PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

The fluoride ion (F) is the ionic form of the element fluorine, belonging to the halogen group of elements and one of the most abundant elements found in nature. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. The fluoride has been widely used systematically and topically in the treatment of dental caries for its anti-cariogenic and antimicrobial properties. Systemic fluorides involve the process of ingestion, digestion, absorption and excretion while the topical involves the local effect only. A primary method of fluoride delivery is systemic, being artificially provided in water, milk, salt, or supplements, which must be ingested to be able to have any effect on teeth. Topical fluorides generally fall into two categories: (a) self-applied – e.g. toothpaste and mouth rinse, and (b) professionally applied – e.g. solutions, gels, foams and varnish. In this book, an attempt is made to dig out the golden mine of Fluoride delivery systems, so that hidden wealth of knowledge can be easily digested, absorbed and utilized by the dentists.