Dental hygienist and patient comparisons of fluoride varnishes to fluoride gels.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fluoride varnish and compare it to fluoride gels in categories including taste, comfort, efficiency, discoloration, moisture control, safety, and ease of application.

Methods: Methods. Twenty-five licensed dental hygienists and 148 patients completed questionnaires comparing fluoride varnish to fluoride gel for the following categories: taste, comfort, efficiency, discoloration, moisture control, and safety. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test.

Results: The 25 dental hygienists rated fluoride varnish (Duraphat) superior to fluoride gels in all categories. Eighty-three (56.5%) of the 148 patients reported the varnish application to be more comfortable than gel while 29 (20%) found it the same. In taste comparison, 90 (71.4%) preferred the varnish, while 16 (12.7%) rated it the same. The time required was reported as better for the varnish technique by 59 (50.4%) and equal to the gels by 32 (20.3%). Discoloration of the teeth by the varnish was found not noticeable or not objectionable by 66 (49.3%) and somewhat objectionable or too noticeable for comfort in public by 68 (50.7%). However, 85 (64.3%) reported that they would choose to have the varnish treatment while 33 (25%) would not. Dental hygienist responses on questions 1-4 relative to the number of years in practice were not found to be significantly different.

Conclusion: The patients and dental hygienists in this study preferred fluoride varnishes to gels. However, since some patients objected to the temporary discoloration, varnishes may not be suitable for everyone.