Which is more effective-daily or weekly fluoride rinses?

Daily rinses (0.05% sodium fluoride) and weekly rinses (0.2% sodium fluoride) have been shown to be equally effective. Daily rinses are available over-the-counter and weekly rinses require a prescription or office dispensing. The benefits to the primary dentition (baby teeth) from fluoride rinsing are less than those generally obtained for the permanent dentition (permanent adult teeth).

The decision of which to use (daily or weekly rinses) can be facilitated by a co-therapy approach with each patient. Some patients may find that incorporating a rinse as a daily habit works best for them. Also, missing a single dose of a daily rinse is less critical than missing a weekly rinse. However, other patients might perceive a prescription product as being more important and follow the regimen seriously.

An important consideration in selecting fluoride rinse products is their ethanol (alcohol) content. The Committee on Drugs of the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that no ethanol be used in medicinal products intended for use by children.

Suggested Source: Driscoll, W.S., et al. Caries-Preventive Effects of Daily and Weekly Fluoride Mouthrinsing in a Fluoridated Community: Final Results After 30 Months. JADA 105 (6): 1010-1013, Dec. 1982.