EFFICACY OF TOPICAL FLUORIDE APPLICATION IN THE PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES IN CHILDREN: AN INTEGRAVIVA REVIEW

Abstract

Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent oral diseases in childhood, impacting children's quality of life and overall health. Topical application of fluoride is widely used as a preventive strategy and is recommended by several health organizations. This integrative review aimed to analyze the efficacy of different forms of topical fluoride application in preventing dental caries in children. Studies published in recognized databases were selected, considering research that evaluated the impact of fluoride varnish, gel, foam and mouthwash solutions in reducing the incidence of caries. The results indicate that all forms of topical application demonstrate positive effects on enamel remineralization and reduction of caries progression, especially when associated with oral hygiene measures and a balanced diet. Fluoride varnish stood out for its practicality and longer contact time with tooth enamel, being indicated mainly for preschool children.