A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate and Compare the Effectiveness of Two Fluoride Varnishes Containing Casein Phosphopeptide–Amorphous Calcium Phosphate and Xylitol with Brushing Twice Daily Regimen in Preventing Dental Caries among 3–6-year-old Preschool Children

Pediatric Dentistry and other professional organizations strongly recommend brushing twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste with fluoride in the range of 1000-1500 ppm. 5 However, toothbrushing in preschool children is highly dependent on parental supervision IntroductIonDental caries is a biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven, multifactorial disease characterized by alternating cycles of demineralization and remineralization of tooth structure.1 In primary teeth, it progresses rapidly, often resulting in pain, infection, and compromised quality of life and is referred to as early childhood caries (ECC).It is a major public health problem; the global burden of disease study 2017 reported untreated caries in deciduous teeth as the tenth most prevalent condition, affecting over 532 million children. 2 Prevention of caries relies on controlling plaque biofilm and enhancing enamel resistance to acid attack.Other than modifying the oral ecology, various agents are also used for the prevention of ECC, which target either bacteria, sugar metabolism, or the strengthening of the tooth structure.Among different cariespreventive agents, fluoride is the most widely used and effective strategy, exerting its benefit primarily through topical action, promoting remineralization, reducing demineralization, and inhibiting bacterial metabolism.3,4