Advances in Fluoride Clinical Applications in Dentistry

Fluoride plays an important role in caries prevention, but conventional agents each has its own drawbacks. Advances in nanomaterials and related technologies have changed that picture: nanosilver fluoride (NSF) keeps the antibacterial and remineralization benefits—and it avoids the staining issue. NSF performs well in caries management, orthodontic white spot lesion prevention, and dentin desensitization. It may therefore serve as a promising alternative to silver diamine fluoride. Fluoride-containing bioactive glass (FBG) can slowly release calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride ions. This supports durable remineralization and excellent dentinal tubule occlusion. FBG is promising for caries prevention and desensitization therapy; its mechanical properties, however, still need improvement. In addition, novel materials such as copper tetraamine fluoride, silver complex fluoride, nano calcium fluoride composites, and strontium-containing fluorapatite have also demonstrated considerable antibacterial and remineralization potential. The long-term safety and optimal application protocols of these novel materials still warrant further clinical investigation.