Effectiveness of 927 ppm Fluoride for Caries Prevention
Yes, 927 ppm fluoride is effective for caries prevention, as it falls within the clinically effective range close to the standard concentration (1000-1100 ppm) used in the United States and is well above the minimum effective concentration of 500-550 ppm. 1
Understanding Fluoride Concentration Effectiveness
The CDC guidelines clearly establish that:
- Standard concentration of fluoride in US toothpastes is 1000-1100 ppm 1
- 927 ppm fluoride (as used in some supervised weekly mouthrinse programs) is very close to this standard concentration 1
- Toothpaste containing 500-550 ppm fluoride has been shown to be "almost as efficacious" as toothpaste containing 1000 ppm fluoride 1
Efficacy Across Different Concentrations
The evidence demonstrates a dose-response relationship, but with diminishing returns at higher concentrations:
- 250 ppm fluoride is less effective than 1000 ppm fluoride 2
- 500-550 ppm fluoride is nearly as effective as 1000 ppm fluoride 1
- 927 ppm fluoride would logically fall between these two points, being much closer to the standard effective concentration
- Higher concentrations (1500 ppm) show only slightly more efficacy than standard concentrations 1
Clinical Application Guidelines
For optimal caries prevention with 927 ppm fluoride:
- Brush twice daily for maximum effectiveness 1
- Minimize rinsing after brushing to maintain fluoride concentration in the mouth 1
- For adults and children >6 years, this concentration poses minimal risk of fluorosis 1
Special Considerations
- For high-risk patients: While 927 ppm is effective, those at high risk for caries might benefit from higher concentration products (1500+ ppm) 1, 3
- For children <6 years: Lower concentrations (500-550 ppm) might be preferable to reduce fluorosis risk while maintaining reasonable efficacy 1
Key Takeaway
The confusion regarding 927 ppm versus 1000 ppm is understandable but clinically insignificant. The difference of 73 ppm represents only about a 7% reduction from the standard concentration, while still being substantially higher than the 500-550 ppm concentration that has been shown to be nearly as effective as 1000 ppm. Therefore, 927 ppm fluoride can be confidently recommended as an effective concentration for caries prevention.