The importance of systemic application has recently fallen and instead the topic application of fluorine has started to demonstrate that the cavity index decreases considerably, here we talk based on our professional experience, since in Catalonia the number of cavities during the 70's was much higher than in previous decades, both in the public and private sectors, using a program of weekly mouth washing.

The main objective of topic fluorine application is the formation of fluorpatite during the dental pieces post eruptive years.

This application can be done in a variety of ways:

• Collutories (mouthwashes)
• Gels
• Varnishes
• Toothpastes

There are two ways of applying topic fluorine:

• At the patient's home address
• At a Dental Clinic

In the case of the patient's home address, low concentration toothpastes and collutories are used.

TOOTHPASTES

Fluoride Toothpastes are extensively used, it is the easiest most frequent way of fluorine self - application, since each time the person brushes his or her teeth fluorine is applied.

The concentration level of fluorine varies from brand to brand . The higher the concentration level the more efficient the topic effect will be, therefore increasing the amount of fluorine transported to the dental enamel. Pharmaceutical laboratories tend to manufacture toothpastes with concentration levels around 1000-1100 ppm, although there are toothpastes with higher levels.

Different brands of fluoride toothpastes

The fluorine components most frequently used are : sodium fluoride or monofluorphosphate sodium (MFP). Others include Nicometanol Fluorhydrate (Fluorinol).

The problem with fluoride toothpastes is that if badly used they can lead to a fluorosis.

In children under 6 years old, one must be very careful since they may swallow the toothpastes and therefore act as a systemic fluorine, in which case excessive amounts of fluorine are taken.

In small children the use of toothpastes with low levels of fluorine is advisable and also to place a minimum amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush to avoid, if swallowed, the possible appearance of a fluorosis.

COLLUTORIES

We have mentioned before that the use of collutories have greatly helped the reduction of cavities, they are easy to use and in this chapter we will use as reference those with low concentration levels, which are the ones the patient uses at home.

According to the fluorine concentration level, they can be used daily or weekly. The ones for daily use have a concentration level of 0.05% and the ones for weekly application 0.2%.

The mouth is rinsed with the mouthwash for at least a minute and after the application that patient must reframe from drinking or eating for at least 30 minutes, this is a why a nightly application is advisable, use the collutory before going to bed.

Collutories are used in children over 6 years old, since younger patients lack self control and may swallow the liquid, increasing the chances of causing a fluorosis due to an excessive application at a systemic level.

Collutories with 0.05% (daily) and 0.2% (weekly)