Defining the fluoride treatment criteria

Finding the solution that is most appropriate for your patients requires time to understand the items currently available. Innovative options may be able to increase the solubility of fluoride thanks to a unique formulation, ensuring patients have a higher intake in a shorter time period; the result not only maximises the amount of fluoride taken in by patients during their care, but may also be able to reduce treatment times whilst maintaining the same or increased level of fluoride absorption.

Helping patient and practitioner

Alongside the efficacy of the fluoride solution itself, there are many aspects of an item to consider before choosing to include it in professional oral hygiene routines. This may include the ease of application of the material. Fluoride varnish application is typically a task that can be performed by many members of the dental team when given the correct training; this includes dentists, as well as dental therapists and hygienists, and dental nurses. Note that the prescription of a dentist is still required, but this team approach has been recognised as having the potential to assist and promote preventative care.

A simple application mechanism should make the process intuitive for the professional and comfortable for the patient. Look out for application systems designed with this in mind, further improving the experience within the appointment.

In a similar way, the taste of a fluoride varnish may be pivotal in the success of treatment. Studies show that when children are given a choice of flavours for fluoride treatment, there is an increased chance for positive behaviour throughout the delivery of care. This is due to the heightened sense of control given to the patient, which may also improve a child’s attitude toward the application in future.

Finding effective solutions

It’s important to balance clinical findings with one’s own experience in the practice when compiling criteria for an ideal addition to professional oral hygiene techniques. A chosen fluoride treatment should be both clinically effective, and beneficial to other aspects of the dental appointment. This is possible with the 3M™ Clinpro™ Clear Fluoride Treatment from Solventum, formerly 3M Health Care. The solution is proven to have a greater quantity of fluoride available to the tooth when compared with rosin-based varnishes, enabling similar or better performance during a 15-minute application in comparison to rosin-based solutions with longer application periods. This streamlines appointments, and makes it easier for patients to say “yes”. A unique press and go L-Pop™ single dose delivery system improves the professional experience, with the varnish also having a smooth application across the dentition – and three unique flavours, for improved choice amongst patients.

Reviewing the solutions used in the dental practice is vital, and allows for improvements to the clinical inventory. Understanding the importance of fluoride solubility, and aspects such as ease of application and enjoyable taste is vital to choose an all-round effective solution.

About Solventum

Solventum, enabling better, smarter, safer healthcare to improve lives. As a new company with a long legacy of creating breakthrough solutions for our customers’ toughest challenges, we pioneer game-changing innovations at the intersection of health, material and data science that change patients’ lives for the better while enabling healthcare professionals to perform at their best. Because people, and their wellbeing, are at the heart of every scientific advancement we pursue. We partner closely with the brightest minds in healthcare to ensure that every solution we create melds the latest technology with compassion and empathy. Because at Solventum, we never stop solving for you.