Fluoride Mouth Rinse

10 mL of the solution is “swished” around the teeth for 1 minute 1-2 times per day. The solution should be spat out and not swallowed. Avoid eating and tooth brushing for 60 minutes. The lower concentration (0.05%) is intended for children between 6 and 12 years, the higher (0.2%) for caries-active subjects above 12 years. Children younger than the age of 6 should not use fluoride mouth rinses as they lack the ability to spit out effectively.

In supervised fluoride mouth rinsing programs among children and adolescents, the caries preventive effect is 27% in comparison with placebo [1]. Some clinical trials have shown that the caries preventive effect of FMR equals that of professional fluoride applications. Fluoride mouth rinses seem better than placebo in arresting root caries in dry mouth elderly.

Fluoride mouth rinses are safe to use [2].

The cost-effectiveness of FMR, particularly in supervised school settings, is specifically favourable in communities with low fluoride exposure and low socio-economic status. The cost-effectiveness compared with other preventive strategies for children is however sparsely investigated.

FMR is a home-use option for high risk and caries active subjects over 6 years of age. In particular, daily rinses are suitable for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment and for compliant dry mouth patients and those with irregular, non-daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste.