I was assigned Enamel Pro Fluoride Varnish which is a clear substance that dental hygienist can coat their patients teeth with following a dental cleaning. Enamel Pro Fluoride Varnish has many benefits to the tooth structure and is one of the most popular fluoride application techniques. This substance is made up of 5% sodium fluoride which helps in remineralization of the tooth enamel and dentin, helps prevent cavities, and can even improve sensitivity. This varnish allows the amorphoue calcium phosphate (ACP) that helps in the remineralization process, to combine with the fluoride, creating fluorapatite. This fluorapatite takes on a preventive measure by forming a temporary occlusion. This product is highly recommended and used by dental hygienist and dental offices because it typically comes in single application packets, making it extremely convenient. It is also patient pleasing, and is a clear application, therefore visually unnoticeable. Due to the varnish aspect of the fluoride, the fluoride is able to maintain contact with the tooth surfaces for much longer. This allows for a higher fluoride uptake without more exposure to higher fluoride concentrations. …show more content…
The FDA has cleared the use of fluoride varnish to aid in desensitizing or as a cavity liner in 1991 but no fluoride varnish’s are FDA approved for preventing cavities. The ADA has also endorsed the use of fluoride varnishes, but as a prevention for cavities. This fluoride varnish is only CE approved, not FDA or ADA. With the production of these products, comes the unfortunate reality that animal testing is done with them to ensure the safest product for humans. However, I am not fond of the practice of animal testing and believe that the newly emerging alternatives to animal testing such as EpiDerm or SkinEthic could be utilized in its