{"id":16471,"date":"2025-10-22T15:20:31","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T08:20:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fkg.ugm.ac.id\/?p=16471"},"modified":"2025-12-01T15:26:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T08:26:37","slug":"aplikasi-fluoridasi-topikal-dalam-pencegahan-karies-anak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fkg.ugm.ac.id\/en\/aplikasi-fluoridasi-topikal-dalam-pencegahan-karies-anak\/","title":{"rendered":"Topical Fluoride Application in the Prevention of Dental Caries in Children"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dental caries remains one of the most common oral health problems among children, particularly those of primary school age. Factors such as frequent consumption of sugary foods, suboptimal oral hygiene practices, and immature tooth surfaces increase children\u2019s susceptibility to plaque accumulation and tooth decay. One important preventive strategy is topical fluoridation, which involves the direct application of fluoride compounds to the tooth surface to enhance enamel resistance to demineralisation and inhibit the growth of cariogenic bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A study conducted by a student of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Agustin Lis Setyorini, under the supervision of drg. Rinaldi Budi Utomo, MS., Sp.KGA(K), entitled \u201cPengaruh Topikal Aplikasi Sodium Fluoride 1% terhadap Pertumbuhan Plak dan Tingkat Keparahan Karies (Kajian pada Anak Perempuan Umur 6\u20138 Tahun di Pesantren Binbaz)\u201d, found that topical application of 1% sodium fluoride resulted in a statistically significant reduction in plaque growth scores among girls aged 6\u20138 years. Although changes in caries severity were not statistically significant within the study period, these findings support the effectiveness of fluoridation as part of caries prevention strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mechanisms of Action of Topical Fluoridation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Topical fluoridation exerts its protective effects through several key mechanisms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Formation of Fluoroapatite<\/strong>
    When fluoride ions are released into saliva and dental plaque, they can replace hydroxyl ions in hydroxyapatite crystals, forming fluoroapatite, which is more resistant to acid attack.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Reduction of Cariogenic Bacterial Activity<\/strong>
    Fluoride inhibits the metabolic activity of plaque bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans and other acidogenic flora, thereby reducing acid production that leads to enamel and dentin damage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Remineralisation of Tooth Surfaces<\/strong>
    Fluoride accelerates the remineralisation process by supplying fluoride ions to early demineralised areas, helping to stabilise enamel crystal structure before further damage occurs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Inhibition of Plaque Growth<\/strong>
    The presence of fluoride on the tooth surface suppresses bacterial proliferation, resulting in a significant reduction in plaque scores, as demonstrated in the study.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Research Findings and Interpretation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In the cited study, 16 girls aged 6\u20138 years residing in a boarding school received topical applications of 1% sodium fluoride using the Knutson method. Plaque scores were assessed using the PHPM index, while caries severity was evaluated using the Caries Severity Index. The results showed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n