USE OF FLUORIDE VARNISH IN CHILDREN AT HIGH RISK FOR DENTAL CARIES: AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Early childhood caries remains a severe public health problem, requiring preventive, safe, and non-invasive interventions in routine pediatric dentistry. In this context, professional application of 5% sodium fluoride varnish stands out as an effective measure to control the demineralization process and arrest active lesions in children at high risk for caries. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy, application protocols, and feasibility of using fluoride varnish in preventing and arresting dental caries in high-risk children during early childhood. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and Web of Science databases, encompassing articles published between 2021 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Based on the PICO framework, 12 studies were selected, including randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical practice guidelines focusing on fluoride varnish use in high-risk pediatric populations. Results and discussion: The literature demonstrates that 5% fluoride varnish promotes a substantial reduction in caries increment and remineralization of active white spot lesions, functioning as a continuous calcium fluoride reservoir in the oral environment. Treatment efficacy is directly related to application frequency, with intensive protocols (every 3 to 4 months) showing greater advantages in very high-risk patients. The intervention exhibited high aesthetic acceptability and excellent cost-effectiveness, enabling its implementation in primary care and public health programs. Conclusion: Fluoride varnish is an indispensable, safe, and highly effective tool for non-invasive caries management in high-risk preschoolers. Its routine incorporation should be combined with early diagnosis, health education, and oral environment determinant control to ensure sustainable promotion of child health.