Products
In many countries, Elmex Gelée has been approved as a drug since 1969 and Paro Amin Fluor Gelée since 1977. Elmex Gelée is flavored with vanillin, while Paro Amin Fluor Gelée has a strawberry flavor.
Structure and properties
The products contain fluorides in the form of the amine fluorides olaflur and dectaflur and in the form of the salt sodium fluoride (Na+F–).
Effects
Fluorides (ATC A01AA30) decrease enamel solubility and have antimicrobial properties. They fluoridate, harden, and remineralize decalcified enamel and decrease demineralization. Fluorides are administered in the form of the amine fluorides olaflur and dectaflur because they can significantly increase the retention time.
Indications
Fluoride dental gels are approved for prevention of dental caries, supportive treatment of initial caries, and treatment of sensitive tooth necks.
Dosage
According to the professional information and package insert. The gels are usually used once a week.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Children under 6 years
- Lack of control over the swallowing reflex
- Presence of pathological-desquamative changes of the oral mucosa (exfoliation of the epithelium) and in the presence of bone and/or dental fluorosis.
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Direct ingestion of calcium, magnesium, and aluminum may interfere with the action of fluorides. These ions are found, for example, in milk, calcium and magnesium supplements, and antacids.
Adverse effects
Rarely, hypersensitivity reactions and local reactions such as burning, itching, and inflammation may occur.
