Although there are good over the counter Flouride Mouthwashes available, most dentists believe that prescription strength mouth washes or gels are more effective at preventing caries. Act Fluride Rinse, the leading over the counter brand has only .05% NaFl as an active ingredient, while Prevident, the leading prescribed brush on gel has 1.1% NaFl
In our office we routinely prescribe Prevident brush on gel to patients at high risk for tooth decay. We do not recommend this product for children younger than 12 years old, since it is unhealthy if too much is applied and ingested. This is the reason that it is a prescription item. The gel is applied only once per day, usually in the evening before bedtime and the manufactures directions should always be followed.
Patients who are at high risk for decay are good candidates for use of prescription strength fluoride gels. These include people with habitually dry mouths, elderly patients whom are experiencing root caries, patients with acid reflux, bullemia or poor brushing technique.
If the manufacturers directions are followed , this is a safe and effective way to decrease ones risk for tooth decay and we often recommend Prevident for are high risk patients.
