Fluoride varnish reapplication helps reduce enamel demineralization, Study says

Following each application, the groups underwent thermo-cycling, tooth brushing and pH cycling to simulate the time effect. After 12 weeks, the enamel surfaces were reimaged using the FluoreCam. Within and between-group differences in the area, intensity and impact of demineralization were evaluated.

The results showed that-

a. At baseline, there were no significant between-group differences for area, intensity, or impact.

b. Statistically significant (p<0.001) enamel demineralization occurred over time within each group.

c. There were significant between-group differences in the changes that occurred in area (P = 0.004), impact (P = 0.022), but not intensity.

d. The 12-week had significantly larger areas of demineralization than the 6-week (P = 0.041) and 4-week (P = 0.001) groups.

e. Changes in impact was significantly (P = 0.007) greater in the 12-week group than 4-week group, but not greater than the 6-week group.

f. There were no statistically significant differences between 4- and 6-week groups in the changes of area, intensity, or impact.

Therefore, the authors concluded that "reapplication of the CPP-ACP fluoride varnish every 4–6 weeks, is more effective in reducing enamel demineralization compared to every 12 weeks."