FluoroDose

According to Centrix, the unit-dose delivery system enables mixing before varnish application, producing a consistent level of fluoride in every application. FluoroDose is approved by the Food & Drug Administration for treatment of dentinal sensitivity. It’s available in bubble gum and mint flavors.

A group of 11 dentists and hygienists participated in this Dental Product Shopper review of FluoroDose. They evaluated such features as ease of use, single-use packaging, and esthetics.

Ease of Use and Application

The manufacturer describes FluoroDose’s singlestep brush-on procedure as easier and safer to use than gels and rinses, with no need for a pre-application prophy and no concerns about fluoride ingestion. Simply peel back the cover, dip in the brush, mix and apply.

Ease of use and application were rated as excellent by 5 evaluators, as very good by 4, and as good by 2. One evaluator “had to mix up the fluoride a bit,” another “liked that it was thinner and easy to apply,” and 2 evaluators described it as “runny.” The evaluator who called it “very easy to apply” also noted that it “flows easily and covers well.” One evaluator said, “Even though it’s sticky to the touch, it doesn’t have a sticky feel at all when applying it to the teeth.”

When asked about ease of clean up, 3 evaluators rated it as excellent, 5 rated it as very good, 2 rated it as good, and 1 rated it as fair.

Unit-Dose Packaging

Single-dose packages of fluoride varnish are recommended for pediatric use.³ According to Centrix, FluoroDose’s unitdose delivery system provides a consistent dose with every application, without the need for messy gels and uncomfortable trays. FluoroDose’s packaging was rated as excellent by 5 evaluators, as very good to good by 4, and as poor by 2. One evaluator called it “difficult to open without spilling.” One evaluator described the packaging as “simple,” another called it “simple and nice…easy to open,” and another noted that it was “easy to store.”

Esthetics

According to the manufacturer, FluoroDose dries in seconds upon contact with saliva. It then remains on the tooth for 6 to 8 hours for optimum fluoride uptake. Drying time was rated as excellent by 3 evaluators, as very good by 3, and as good by 5.

When asked to assess esthetics after varnish placement, 4 evaluators rated it as excellent, 5 rated it as very good to good, 1 rated it as fair, and 1 rated it as poor. One of 2 evaluators who called it “chalky” reported “a chalk appearance when it dries…patients don’t like it.” One evaluator “would prefer it if the product were colorless” and another said, “It’s tooth-colored and not as thickappearing/ feeling as our other [varnish].”

Overall Satisfaction

Overall satisfaction with FluoroDose was rated as excellent by 4 evaluators, as very good by 2, as good by 3, and as fair by 2. One evaluator concluded, “I love how easy it is to put on. I will definitely purchase this product!”

References

1. American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs. Professionally applied topical fluoride: evidence-based clinical recommendations. J Dent Educ. 2007;71:393-402.

2. Miller EK, Vann WF Jr. The use of fluoride varnish in children: a critical review with treatment recommendations. J Clin Pediatr Dental. 2008;32:259-264.

3. Azarpazhooh A, Main PA. Fluoride varnish in the prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Hawaii Dent J. 2009;40:6-7 (Republished from J Can Dent Assoc. 2008;74:73-79.).