IntrOductIOnThe developement of dental caries is a dynamic process involving cycles of demineralization and remineralization. Demineralization results in the loss of calcium and phosphate ions creating a subsurface lesion. Remineralization utilizes the existing calcium and phosphate ions in saliva aided by available salivary fluoride to create a new surface on existing crystal remnants in the subsurface lesion. Sub parts per million (ppm) of salivary fluoride levels prevent dental caries by shifting the balance from demineralization to remineralization at the tooth-oral fluid interface, due to the precipitation of calcium phosphates and the formation of fluorohydroxyapatite in tooth structure. The ability of fluoride to affect the demineralization-remineralization process depends on whether fluoride is available in the oral cavity at the right time and proper concentration. Maintaining low levels of fluoride release over long periods is important in the inhibition of demineralization and the promotion of remineralization [1].The rationale for caries preventive effect of fluoride has been known for many decades. The fact that fluoride can be incorporated into the crystalline lattice of dental hard tissues, resulting in a tissue less soluble in acid environment, has been the scientific corner stone for caries prevention [2].For many years professionally applied topical fluorides have been used effectively to prevent caries, especially in children. Professionally available fluoride is in the form of gels, foams, (containing around 12,300 ppm of fluoride) used effectively for inhibiting dental caries especially in children. The fluoride varnishes have gained immense popularity in the field of pediatric dentistry due to its ease of application thereby facilitating its use in precooperative children, patients with exaggerated gag reflex, those demanding special health care needs and also in children exposed to head and neck radiation [3].Recent studies have shown the use of fluoride varnishes to be effective in the prevention of early childhood caries and reduce caries by 25%-45% [4,5].According to American Dental Association council on scientific affairs concluded that fluoride varnish should be applied every six months as it is effective in reducing caries prevalence in high risk populations and also prevents caries in primary as well as permanent dentitions of children and adolescents [6]. Fluoride levels in saliva after application of fluoride varnish are influenced by different parameters like initial fluoride concentration applied, time since exposure, fluoride retention, delivery method and fluoride clearance from the oral cavity [1]. The greatest release of fluoride occurs in the first three weeks and then tapers [7][8][9].Newly marketed fluoride varnishes are supposed to release fluoride slowly and for extended periods of time. The present study intends to determine the fluoride release from three different fluoride varnishes (representing new generation and conventional varnishes) over a period of time throu...

The present prospective study was conducted to assess the prevalence of enamel hypomineralization (EH) in primary dentition among preterm low birth weight (PT-LBW) children, incidence of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in the same cohorts, and to determine associations between PT-LBW, hypomineralization in primary second molars, and MIH. A total of 287 PTLBW study subjects and 290 control full-term normal birth weight subjects were followed up for 36 months. Enamel defects were recorded at baseline. The same cohorts were examined after 3 years for MIH using the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria. Multiple variable logistic regression models were developed. A total of 279 children (48.4%) presented with EH in primary dentition and 207 (35.9%) children presented with MIH. Children with primary second molar hypomineralization had 2.13 (R2 = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.98–4.19, p = 0.005) times higher frequency of MIH. Children with PT-LBW had 3.02 times (R2 = 0.31, 95% CI = 1.01–5.94, p = 0.005) higher frequency of MIH incidence after adjusting for childhood infection, prenatal history, and presence of hypomineralized primary second molars. To conclude, the present study showed significant association between PT-LBW, hypomineralized second primary molars, and incidence of MIH.