Table 1 Dental evidence-based topics (DEBT)
From: Questions and answers in Evidence-based Dentistry volume 10
Topic area | Question | Answer | Page |
|---|---|---|---|
Caries | When attempting to prevent dental caries in elderly people who live in residential care homes, what is the effectiveness and relative cost benefit of high-concentration fluoride toothpaste compared with fluoride varnish application? | For elderly populations in residential care, in areas with low levels of fluoride in drinking water, who are assessed as being at increased risk of dental caries: toothbrushing carried out twice daily with a 2800 pm fluoride paste, following the manufacturer's instructions regarding quantity, is likely to give improved caries control over standard toothpaste while avoiding any risk of toxicity. On completion of brushing, the mouth should not be rinsed, but as much paste as possible should be expectorated. In addition, although costly, consideration could be given to applying 5% sodium fluoride varnish to the same population three to four times per year. | 83–87 |
