No abstract

This randomized three-armed controlled clinical trial compared the effect of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF 4 ) and sodium fluoride (NaF) varnishes on caries control in smooth surfaces of permanent dentition and children's acceptability. Sixty children (6-8 y/o) were randomly divided into TiF 4 (2.45% F -), NaF (2.26% F -) or placebo (control) groups. Varnishes were applied on permanent teeth once a week for the first 4 weeks and after the 6 th and 12 th months of the study. The variables were as follows: International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) scores, quantitative fluorescence changes, visual plaque index (VPI) and degree of acceptability. Two-way RM-ANOVA, ANOVA/Tukey and χ2 tests were performed (p < 0.05). No differences were found between the treatments with respect to ICDAS scores (p = 0.32). Only TiF 4 reduced the mean fluorescence loss significantly at 18 months compared to the baseline (p = 0.003). TiF 4 showed a lower percentage of new caries lesions by tooth surface than the placebo, while NaF did not induce such a change (p < 0.014). Regardless of the treatment, more than 95% of the participants reported being satisfied. For all groups, the VPI decreased significantly at 3 months compared to the baseline value (p < 0.001), with no differences between the treatments (p = 0.17). TiF 4 had a similar ability to control caries lesions as NaF; however, only TiF 4 differed from the placebo (p = 0.004). The acceptability of TiF 4 varnish was similar to that of NaF varnish.