Effectiveness of Fluoride Treatments in Remineralizing Early Non- Cavitated Carious Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Authors

  • Jasmine Marwaha Associate Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, National Dental College and Hospital, Derabassi, Punjab 140507, India
  • Sindhoori Goud Assistant Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Mallareddy Institute of Dental Sciences, Mallareddy Viswavidyapeeth, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  • Manoranjan Dash Associate Dean, Institute of Business & Computer Studies (IBCS), SOA University, Bhubaneswar 751030, Odisha, India
  • Preeti Y Shadangi Assistant Professor, Department of Hospital Administration, Institute of Business & Computer Studies (IBCS), SOA University, Bhubaneswar 751030, Odisha, India
  • Ashtha Arya MDS, PhD, Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, SGT Dental College, Hospital & Research Institute, SGT University, Gurugram 122505, Haryana, India
  • Aafreen Smriti Minz Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v25i10.86622

Keywords:

fluorides; tooth remineralization; dental caries; meta-analysis; systematic review

Abstract

Dental caries affects billions globally, with early non-cavitated lesions being reversible through fluoride remineralization. Despite extensive research, optimal fluoride protocols remain debated. This analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fluoride treatments in remineralizing early caries and compare delivery methods, concentrations, and frequencies. This PRISMAcompliant systematic review included 12 RCTs and controlled trials (n=11,701 observations) from seven databases. Studies were assessed using ROB2/ROBINS-E tools, with metaanalyses conducted via random-effects models. Subgroup analyses explored fluoride types, concentrations, and follow-up durations. Highconcentration fluoride varnishes (≥5,000 ppm) showed the largest effects (ES=1.12, 95%CI: 0.88–1.36), while daily toothpastes (1,000–4,999 ppm) had more modest but consistent results (ES=0.93, 95%CI: 0.72–1.14). Network metaanalysis revealed a non-linear dose-response, with diminishing returns above 10,000 ppm. Professional applications every 3–6 months, combined with daily home care, emerged as the optimal regimen. Heterogeneity was substantial (I²=74.09%) but explained by concentration differences (27.12% variance). Fluoride effectively remineralizes early caries, with highconcentration professional treatments yielding superior outcomes. A combined approach of periodic in-office varnishes and daily toothpaste is recommended for comprehensive caries management.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 25. Supplementary Issue 2026, Page : S50-S62

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Author Biographies

Jasmine Marwaha, Associate Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, National Dental College and Hospital, Derabassi, Punjab 140507, India

 

 

Sindhoori Goud, Assistant Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Mallareddy Institute of Dental Sciences, Mallareddy Viswavidyapeeth, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

 

 

Manoranjan Dash, Associate Dean, Institute of Business & Computer Studies (IBCS), SOA University, Bhubaneswar 751030, Odisha, India

 

 

Preeti Y Shadangi, Assistant Professor, Department of Hospital Administration, Institute of Business & Computer Studies (IBCS), SOA University, Bhubaneswar 751030, Odisha, India

 

 

Ashtha Arya, MDS, PhD, Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, SGT Dental College, Hospital & Research Institute, SGT University, Gurugram 122505, Haryana, India

 

 

Aafreen Smriti Minz, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences (KIDS), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India

 

 

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Published

2026-01-06

How to Cite

Marwaha, J., Goud, S., Dash, M., Shadangi, P. Y., Arya, A., & Minz, A. S. (2026). Effectiveness of Fluoride Treatments in Remineralizing Early Non- Cavitated Carious Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science, 25(10), S50-S62. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v25i10.86622

Issue

Vol: 25. Supplementary issue 2026

Section

Review Article

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Jasmine Marwaha, Sindhoori Goud, Manoranjan Dash, Preeti Y. Shadangi, Ashtha Arya, Aafreen Smriti Minz

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