Checking Off All The Boxes With FluoroCal
Sometimes finding the perfect product is all about checking off as many boxes as possible. And when it comes to finding a fluoride varnish that works well,
cuts down on sensitivity, tastes good, and takes as little chair time as possible to apply, Sherry Morrissey, RDH, Grand Forks, ND, believes FluoroCal checks all those boxes—and even a few more.
BISCO’s FluoroCal is a 5% sodium fluoride varnish with tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) that’s both calcium and fluoride releasing.* Once applied to dentin and enamel, FluoroCal penetrates and seals exposed dentinal tubules and provides immediate sensitivity relief.
No More “Zing” for Patients
“It works by sealing the dentinal tubules, which prevents the movement of cold stimuli from reaching the nerve of the tooth and giving patients that ‘zing’ feeling,” explained Morrissey, who has been practicing for over 15 years.
TCP allows for enhanced protection against demineralization, and studies have shown that it also can help strengthen enamel, provide protection and acid resistance, and inhibit the progression of initial primary enamel lesions.1
“FluoroCal really feels like a premium product.”
- Sherry Morrissey, RDH
The Xylitol Effect
Another box that Morrissey can check off with FluoroCal concerns the taste factor, a benefit particularly helpful for her pediatric patients. The xylitol sweetens the varnish, which comes in spearmint, resulting in a “tasty” flavor, according to Morrissey, who used the product on her own teeth and was pleased with the taste.
Since adults receive varnish treatments as well, the taste factor also is a consideration for that patient population. Morrissey reports that adult patients have shared favorable responses to FluoroCal. “I had a patient comment about how smooth it felt and how refreshing it tasted,” Morrissey shared.
“Luxurious Texture” and Fluoride Release
FluoroCal is an esthetic varnish designed to blend in with natural tooth color, leaving no discoloration. It is simply applied with a brush, which means application is fast and easy. “The color is white and it paints on smoothly with no clumps on my brush,” said Morrissey. “It has a luxurious texture.”
In addition, the sustained fluoride release* means that fluoride is released over a longer period of time and deposited on the teeth. The high enamel fluoride uptake** may induce fluorapatite, which can strengthen tooth enamel and prevent further tooth sensitivity.2
Time Savings
One final box that Morrissey can check off with FluoroCal is the time factor. Especially with pediatric patients, time is usually at the top of the list. FluoroCal does not require prophylaxis before application, and no drying of the teeth is needed. “With some of the other products I have used previously, I had to dry the teeth prior to applying the varnish,” Morrissey said. “The fact that it can be applied in a moist environment is a plus—it’s a time saver and one less thing I have to do.”
With multiple boxes checked off, Morrissey believes FluoroCal addresses the biggest issues with today’s varnishes. “FluoroCal really feels like a premium product,” she added.
References
*As tested in deionized water.
** BISCO has on file the fluoride uptake data for FluoroCal.
1. Rirattanapong P, Vongsavan, K, Saengsiriavin C. Effect of Fluroride Varnishes Containing Tri-Calcium Phosphate Sources on Remineralization of Initial Primary Lesions. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. Mar 2014; 45(2):499-504.
2. Petersson LG. The role of fluoride in the preventive management of dentin hypersensitivity and root caries. Clin Oral Investig. 2013; 17 (Suppl 1):S63-S71. Doi:10.1007/s00784-012-0916-9
