2.3 Mineral and Antimicrobial Agents
Home-Use Fluorides
Over-the-Counter Fluoride Mouthrinses
For patients at moderate, high, or very high risk for dental caries, oral health professionals may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) fluoride mouthrinses, such as ACT™ or Fluorigard™. Fluoride mouthrinses are not recommended for children under age 6 because of the risk for fluorosis.
Prescription Stannous Fluoride Products
Some oral health professionals prescribe stannous fluoride gel, such as Gel-Kam,™ for patients to use at home in addition to or instead of fluoridated toothpaste. These products are designed for home treatment of sensitive teeth. The products do not contain more fluoride than OTC fluoridated toothpastes and may be significantly more expensive. Due to the bactericidal nature of the tin ion in stannous fluoride gels, there may be a benefit to using these gels at home in addition to fluoridated toothpaste. Compliance with such a regimen may be problematic, however, because the product must be brushed on after brushing the teeth with fluoridated toothpaste, and some people object to the taste. Other products, such as chlorhexidine rinses, are more effective at eliminating or significantly reducing MS levels.
High-Dose Prescription Fluoride Products
Prevident 5000 Plus,™ Prevident 5000,™ and ControlRx™ contain significantly higher fluoride levels than OTC fluoride products and may benefit patients at high or very high risk. Owing to their high fluoride content and the danger this poses to young children, these products should be reserved for adults and children ages 6 and older, and they should be kept in a locked cabinet out of children’s reach. Patients should be instructed in the proper use of these products, including the amount to use, how long to spend brushing, and whether to rinse after use.
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