What happens to the effectiveness of Pediagel if it freezes and thaws out?

First Pediagel looks like a kids freeze pop. Then it resembles Jello. Finally after completely thawing it’s as good as new. The flavor and the fluoride effectiveness are not compromised.

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How many treatments in Pediagel 12 oz. versus a 16 oz. bottle and fluoride foam?

Pediagel provides 50 – 75 full arch fluoride treatments per bottle versus 80 –100 in a typical 16 oz. bottle. Foams deliver 120 treatments per bottle but they often have a lot of waste associated with the aerosol malfunction. I.E. “Whip Cream Can” phenomenon. They also fail if ever frozen in transit. The variation range […]

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Where do two-part combination fluoride rinses fit in the treatment regime?

The combination of two different fluoride mechanisms, .31% APF (uptake properties) and 1.64% Stannous (barrier & cariostatic properties) makes logical sense but these two-part rinses have never been clinically proven. Their main drawback is treatment time and the reduced safety involved with the increased potential for accidental ingestion. One minute would be an eternity for […]

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What are the differences between fluoride gels/foams versus 5% fluoride varnish?

The FDA does not recognize a caries prevention claim for fluoride varnishes. It’s approved for use in hypersensitivity only. However, its use in Europe over the last 30 years and more recent lab studies have shown it to deliver an equivalent amount of fluoride on the tooth surfaces. Because it’s painted on versus the tray […]

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What are the differences between fluoride gels and fluoride foams?

The main difference between foams and gels is density. Fluoride level and pH are identical but because foams have less density, less fluoride (12 mg vs. 50 mg) is delivered to the patient making them safer for use on younger children (< 6 years) in the event of accidental ingestion.

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What are the patient risk factors indicating the use of in-office fluoride treatments on adults?

Poor oral hygiene, the presence of multi-surface restorations (secondary caries), eating disorders, salivary malfunction and exposed dentin from gingival recession. There is increasing interest on treating hypersensitivity with NSF on adult patients.

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What are the patient risk factors indicating the use of in-office fluorides on children ages 6-18?

Poor oral hygiene, noticeable from heavy plaque formation, a cariogenic diet high in sugars, carbohydrates and acidic carbonated beverages, and active orthodontic treatment. This is why 95% of in-office fluorides are performed on this age group.

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Which is correct, 1 minute or 4 minutes, for an in-office fluoride treatment?

The only clinically documented treatment time is 4 minutes for both APF and NSF, Nearly 20 years ago, lab studies showed that APF’s low pH (3.5) has fast fluoride uptake in the first minute. Since young patients struggled with the gag reflex during a 4 minute treatment, dental professionals often removed the tray at 1 […]

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What is the difference between 1.23% APF (Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride) and 2.0% NSF (Neutral Sodium Fluoride) gel?

Basically, the pH. APF has a low pH 3.5, enabling it to deliver fluoride at a faster rate into enamel than NSF with its pH of 7.0. Because APF is acidic it can etch and dull composite and ceramic restorations in adults, which causes increased staining and may affect the longevity of cosmetic work. APF […]

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With the high prevalence of public water fluoridation and fluoride toothpaste is there still a need for In-Office Fluoride treatments?

While approximately half of the U.S. has a fluoridated water supply with the average of 1.0 ppm, in many cases it is poorly monitored, therefore not always effective. Additionally while almost every U.S. household uses fluoride toothpaste, patient compliance and proper oral hygiene technique remains a variable. Providing a booster shot of Rx fluoride guarantees […]

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