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Objectives@#This study addressed longstanding issues in Korea’s public health dentist system by defining and standardizing job duties. A practical job description was drafted based on job analysis results to promote work efficiency and lay the groundwork for future educational programs. @*Methods@#The job description elements were selected and drafted based on previous studies.These drafts were revised and refined with expert panel validation. @*Results@#The main job duties of public health dentists encompass community oral health, dental practice, public oral health research, and special oral health, tailored for institutions such as health sub-centers, health centers, health clinics, national health organizations, and correctional facilities. For community oral health at public health subcenters involves 12 key duties including projects, education, and community engagement. Public health centers/clinics focus on 16 key duties mainly around health project planning and evaluation. Dental care across both settings has 15 main duties. Public oral health research emphasizes community surveys and epidemiology. Special oral health in correctional facilities covers 11 main duties including education and external resource linking. @*Conclusions@#It concluded that for the development of public health dentists in South Korea, it is necessary to develop public health dentist education programs to promote the performance of public health dentists and to equip them with the competencies necessary to perform such duties, focusing on job descriptions organized around the characteristics of workplaces and major tasks.
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Objectives@#This study aims to explore the experience of caregivers in oral health care of the elderly in long-term care facilities, identify the problems, and collect opinions, and to seek improvement directions for strengthening competency and improving services of oral health care for the elderly. @*Methods@#Data on the experience in oral health care of the elderly were collected through focus group interviews (FGI) targeting caregivers in long-term care facilities. The grounded theory method was used. The interview content was categorized by open coding, and a paradigm model was presented by identifying the relationship between the categories through axial coding. Selective coding found core categories. @*Results@#As a result of categorizing the caregivers’ oral care experience of the elderly, 15 categories, 40 sub-categories, and 125 concept/phenomena codes were derived. The central phenomenon was the difficulty of implementing sustainable oral health care. The deterioration of the mental and physical functions of the elderly, the work characteristics of caregivers, and the lack of linkage with internal and external resources of the facility acted as causal conditions for the central phenomenon. The caregiver’s oral health education experience acted as an intervening condition. In an effort to improve the problem, an interaction strategy was derived. @*Conclusions@#It is possible to seek delivery of sustainable oral health care services by caregivers by improving the quality of oral health education and establishing an oral health care service system for the elderly.
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Objectives@#This study aims to suggest ways to improve the oral care competencies of caregivers by strengthening oral care services for the elderly with mobility difficulties in long-term care facilities. @*Methods@#Through a web survey, 215 caregivers were invited, their actual situation was identified, and necessary educational tasks were listed. We developed 16 types of card news, two types of songs, and four types of video clips that can be used in the field for the listed educational topics. Several meetings with expert developers resulted in developing the components and design of an oral health management platform for caregivers in long-term care facilities. @*Results@#As a result of the web survey, many caregivers in long-term care facilities needed education or information on oral care methods, and many people felt difficulties in oral care for the elderly. About 40% of the caregivers had no experience in oral health education, and many learned how to care through unsystematic apprenticeships. Most of the education content that caregivers prioritized were brushing teeth and denture management, but there were also needs such as management of dementia and bedridden patients, non-cooperative oral care, nutrition management, and oral auxiliary products use. @*Conclusions@#In conclusion, this study reviewed and suggested digital platforms such as strengthening caregivers’ competency in long-term care facilities, providing customized educational information, discovering oral problems of the elderly, and reporting oral difficulties to experts.
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The year 2021 marks the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Korean Academy of Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health. In the oriental background, there is a belief that a new 60 years of history starts after the completion of 60 years. In other words, there is a brand new beginning every 60 years.The Korean Academy of Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health has set the 60th-anniversary slogan as “Past 60 Years of Oral Health, upcoming 100 Years of Dreaming Together’’ to look back on the past footprints and prepare for the future. We are putting in efforts to improve the nation’s oral health in the new era.Starting something new has a special meaning, but to pioneer something based on the past 60 years of history bestows measurable potential and power to move forward. This potential is what makes the 60th anniversary so remarkable.The role of journals in the development of an academy cannot be neglected. The Journal of Korean Academy of Oral Health (JKAOH) was first launched in 1967, and since then has been introducing various research achievements of the members. The journal website (www.jkaoh.org) provides easy access to the last 50 years’ worth of research articles with just one click.Studying preliminary research is one of the most crucial elements when brainstorming for a new project. If the study on preliminary research is not conducted adequately, it leads to a repetition of what others have already done, lacking originality. Therefore, making articles available through rich archives makes the research process easier and further accelerates the speed of academic development.Unlike in the past, sharing data and research articles is an active progress aided by many search engines. Nonetheless, a unique journal archive has its blend of research colors pursuing research direction that everyone can recognize.I am looking forward to every kind of research that the Korean Academy of Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health members will propose in the future. There will undoubtedly be new and innovative achievements contributing to the improvement of the nation’s oral health. I want to express my appreciation to the 60th anniversary of the Korean Academy of Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health and JKAOH, and I look forward to their developments in the future.
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Objectives@#In order to understand the factors that influence the oral health-related quality of life of older adults, we investigated the quality of life, oral health status, and oral health behavior of older adults in a metropolitan city in Korea. @*Methods@#Data were collected from October 2019 to March 2020, after approval was obtained from the authors’ institutional review board. Oral examinations were administered and a structured questionnaire was distributed to 150 older adults at a public nursing home. Data on sociodemographic factors, oral health behaviors, general health questions, and oral health-related quality of life (assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 [OHIP-14]) were collected with the questionnaire.To assess the general health condition of the participants, grip strength and upper arm and calf circumference were measured. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between oral health-related quality of life and other variables. @*Results@#Whether brushing was performed, the number of remaining teeth, and the presence of periodontal disease were found to correlate with OHIP-14 scores (P<0.05). Oral Health Impact Profile-14 scores and sociodemographic factors in older adults through multiple logistic regression analyses with general health, oral health habits and conditions, and need for assistance with daily oral health care. Correlations between OHIP-14 scores and general health variables, such as thigh circumference and grip strength, revealed a low oral health-related quality of life in participants who needed help during brushing (P<0.05). @*Conclusions@#Results of the study confirmed a relationship between OHIP-14 scores and oral health and habits among older adults in public nursing homes with socioeconomic status, and general health, and oral health, and each variable affects the relationship. Further analysis and additional epidemiological studies are needed to understand the interrelationships.
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The year 2021 marks the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Korean Academy of Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health. In the oriental background, there is a belief that a new 60 years of history starts after the completion of 60 years. In other words, there is a brand new beginning every 60 years.The Korean Academy of Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health has set the 60th-anniversary slogan as “Past 60 Years of Oral Health, upcoming 100 Years of Dreaming Together’’ to look back on the past footprints and prepare for the future. We are putting in efforts to improve the nation’s oral health in the new era.Starting something new has a special meaning, but to pioneer something based on the past 60 years of history bestows measurable potential and power to move forward. This potential is what makes the 60th anniversary so remarkable.The role of journals in the development of an academy cannot be neglected. The Journal of Korean Academy of Oral Health (JKAOH) was first launched in 1967, and since then has been introducing various research achievements of the members. The journal website (www.jkaoh.org) provides easy access to the last 50 years’ worth of research articles with just one click.Studying preliminary research is one of the most crucial elements when brainstorming for a new project. If the study on preliminary research is not conducted adequately, it leads to a repetition of what others have already done, lacking originality. Therefore, making articles available through rich archives makes the research process easier and further accelerates the speed of academic development.Unlike in the past, sharing data and research articles is an active progress aided by many search engines. Nonetheless, a unique journal archive has its blend of research colors pursuing research direction that everyone can recognize.I am looking forward to every kind of research that the Korean Academy of Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health members will propose in the future. There will undoubtedly be new and innovative achievements contributing to the improvement of the nation’s oral health. I want to express my appreciation to the 60th anniversary of the Korean Academy of Preventive Dentistry and Oral Health and JKAOH, and I look forward to their developments in the future.
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Objectives@#In order to understand the factors that influence the oral health-related quality of life of older adults, we investigated the quality of life, oral health status, and oral health behavior of older adults in a metropolitan city in Korea. @*Methods@#Data were collected from October 2019 to March 2020, after approval was obtained from the authors’ institutional review board. Oral examinations were administered and a structured questionnaire was distributed to 150 older adults at a public nursing home. Data on sociodemographic factors, oral health behaviors, general health questions, and oral health-related quality of life (assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 [OHIP-14]) were collected with the questionnaire.To assess the general health condition of the participants, grip strength and upper arm and calf circumference were measured. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between oral health-related quality of life and other variables. @*Results@#Whether brushing was performed, the number of remaining teeth, and the presence of periodontal disease were found to correlate with OHIP-14 scores (P<0.05). Oral Health Impact Profile-14 scores and sociodemographic factors in older adults through multiple logistic regression analyses with general health, oral health habits and conditions, and need for assistance with daily oral health care. Correlations between OHIP-14 scores and general health variables, such as thigh circumference and grip strength, revealed a low oral health-related quality of life in participants who needed help during brushing (P<0.05). @*Conclusions@#Results of the study confirmed a relationship between OHIP-14 scores and oral health and habits among older adults in public nursing homes with socioeconomic status, and general health, and oral health, and each variable affects the relationship. Further analysis and additional epidemiological studies are needed to understand the interrelationships.
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Purpose@#The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical benefit of additional toothbrushing accompanying non-surgical periodontal treatment on oral and general health in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). @*Methods@#We conducted a doubled-blind randomized controlled trial in 60 T2DM patients between June 2013 and June 2014. The patients were randomly assigned to the scaling and root planing (SRP) group; the scaling and root planing with additional toothbrushing (SRPAT) group, in which additional toothbrushing was performed by toothpick methods; or the control group. Microbiological and oral examinations were performed for up to 12 weeks following treatment. Non-surgical treatment was conducted in the experimental groups. The SRP group received scaling and root planing and the SRPAT group received additional toothbrushing with the Watanabe method once a week from the first visit through the fifth visit. The primary outcomes were changes in haemoglobin A1c (or glycated haemoglobin; HbA1c) levels, serum endotoxin levels, and interleukin-1 beta levels. Periodontal health status was measured by periodontal pocket depth, the calculus index, and bleeding on probing (BOP). @*Results@#Both the SRP and SRPAT groups showed improvements in periodontal health and HbA1c, but the SRPAT group showed significantly less BOP than the SRP group. Furthermore, only the SRPAT group showed a statistically significant decrease in serum endotoxin levels. @*Conclusions@#Non-surgical periodontal treatment was effective in improving HbA1c and serum endotoxin levels in T2DM patients. Furthermore, non-surgical treatment with additional tooth brushing had a more favourable effect on gingival bleeding management.Trial RegistrationClinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT000416
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Objectives@#This study aimed to evaluate the perception and needs of the caregivers of infants and children regarding oral health screening in order to identify the problems and the improvements required to increase their satisfaction with the oral health screening system. @*Methods@#An online self-reported survey for the national oral health screening system was conducted for 200 parents raising infants and children in Seoul and the metropolitan area of Korea. The questionnaire for caregivers recorded their thoughts on the current problems, the improvements required in oral health screening, the necessity of screening, and the need for oral h ealth education. @*Results@#The caregivers proposed many requests for precise examination and detailed explanation in the infants and children’s oral health screening and inclusion of simple preventive treatment measures during the screening. Although most parents (94.9%) recognized the necessity of oral checkups for their children, only 76.1% went ahead with the screening. The main reason for screening was prevention and early detection of dental caries. Regarding the need for education, the proportion of respondents receiving oral health education (43.1%) was lower than that of oral health screening (76.1%), even if oral health education and counseling were provided during the screening. The caregivers wanted to learn about the correct tooth brushing methods, causes and prevention of tooth decay, fluoride application, and preferred education methods such as hands-on training, education by dental experts, or visualization. @*Conclusions@#Understanding the perception and needs of caregivers regarding the infants and children’s oral health screening would contribute to improvements in the oral health screening system, thereby increasing their satisfaction.
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Background@#Dental treatment has shifted to the center of the community, and the public policy of the country has expanded to support the vulnerable classes such as the disabled. The dental profession needs education regarding oral health services for persons with disabilities, and it is necessary to derive the competencies for this. Therefore, we conducted this study to derive the normative ability to understand the role of a dental hygienist in the oral health service for persons with disabilities and improvement plans for education. @*Methods@#We conducted a qualitative analysis for deriving competencies by analyzing the data collected through in-depth interviews with experts in order to obtain abilities through practical experience. Based on the competency criterion, relevant competency in the interview response was derived using the priori method, and it was confirmed whether the derived ability matched the ability determined by the respondent. @*Results@#The professional conduct competencies of dental hygienists, devised by the Korean Association of Dental Hygiene, consists of professional behavior, ethical decision-making, self-assessment skills, lifelong learning, and accumulated evidence. Also, core competencies of the American Dental Education Association competencies for dental hygienist classification such as ethics, responsibility for professional actions, and critical thinking skills were used as the criterion. The dental hygienist's abilities needed for oral health care for people with disabilities, especially in the detailed abilities to fulfill these social needs, were clarified. @*Conclusion@#To activate oral health care for people with disabilities, it is necessary for dental hygienists to fulfill their appropriate roles, and for this purpose, competency-based curriculum restructuring is indispensable. A social safety net for improving the oral health of people with disabilities can be secured by improving the required skills-based education system of dental hygienists and strengthening the related infrastructure.
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No abstract available.
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OBJECTIVES: Galla chinensis inhibited the adherence of planktonic oral bacteria and acid production by cariogenic bacteria. However, little is known about the relevant conditions of Galla Chinensis extract (GCE) exposure time and concentration and the effect of GCE on the structural and functional activity of cariogenic bacteria. The antibacterial effects of natural G. Chinensis extract on S. mutans , S. sanguinis, and S. oralis biofilms were evaluated in vitro.METHODS: Biofilms formed on glass surfaces were treated with different concentrations of GCE at different exposure times. The effects were assessed by examining the bactericidal activity, acidogenesis, minimum inhibitory concentration, and morphology.RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the bacterial growth inhibition depending on the concentration of the GCE, with bacterial growth being inhibited as the concentration of GCE increased. A concentration of 1.0 mg/ml GCE had similar bactericidal effects against S. mutans and S. oralis biofilms to those produced by 2.0 mg/ml CHX. In the 1.0 mg/ml GCE group, incomplete septa were also observed in the outline of the cell wall, together with disruption of the cell membrane. In addition, there was also a slight exudation of the intracellular content from the bacteria in the 1.0 mg/ml GCE and 2 mg/ml CHX groups.CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that GCE inhibits the growth of S. mutans, S. sanguinis, and S. oralis with increasing concentrations. It alters the microstructure of S. mutans biofilms. These results suggest that GCE might be a useful anti-bacterial agent for preventing dental caries.
Subject(s)
Bacteria , Biofilms , Cell Membrane , Cell Wall , Dental Caries , Glass , In Vitro Techniques , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Plankton , Streptococcus mutansABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the awareness of the students currently attending dental colleges/schools in Seoul regarding the scope of work done by a dental hygienist (DH) and a chair-side dental assistant (DA).METHODS: A direct questionnaire survey was conducted among 950 students who currently attend dental colleges/schools in Seoul. We were able to use a total of 458 samples for final analysis after excluding inappropriate ones. The contents of this structuralized survey included the obligation of proper name badge use for dental health care personnel, the legal work scopes of a DH and a DA in accordance with the revised execution of the ‘Legal Acts on Medical Technicians’, and the inclusion/exclusion of such contents from dental colleges/schools curricula. The results were statistically analyzed via the IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 software.RESULTS: Many subjects were aware of the difference in scope of work performed by a DH and a DA (P < 0.001), but not their legal obligation to wear appropriate name badges in accordance with the ‘Proposal for the Establishment of the Name Badge Standards for Healthcare Practitioners'. The subjects generally showed higher comprehension of the scope of work performed by a DH (74.3%) than that performed by a DA (57.7%). Without the presence of any corresponding curriculum, accurate responses tended to increase with the students' seniority. Most students (94.4%) agreed with the need to include a class that teaches the scope of work performed by a DH and a DA in their school curricula.CONCLUSIONS: We have found that education regarding ‘Name Badge Standards for Healthcare Practitioners’ and classification of a dental assistant's scope of work is lacking in the existing curriculum. Therefore, it is necessary to establish additional curriculum.
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Humans , Classification , Comprehension , Curriculum , Delivery of Health Care , Dental Assistants , Dental Hygienists , Education , Jurisprudence , Seoul , Students, DentalABSTRACT
No abstract available.
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No abstract available.
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Biomedical Research , Research Design , Sex Characteristics , Sex Factors , Oral HealthABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Erosion is a gradual process that occurs fairly quickly, and the full extent of the erosive effects of acidic beverages is not yet clear. The present study aimed to determine the differences in the erosive potentials among four naturally acidic fruit nectars within the same range of titratable acidity and to determine the influence of the components of organic acids on tooth erosion. METHODS: Diluted fruit nectars (mandarin 1:1.1, orange 1:1.7, lemon 1:15, grapefruit 1:20) with the same range of titratable acidity (7.9 ml) and their corresponding organic acids (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% citric acid, malic acid, and a citric and malic acid mixture [pH 2.8], respectively) were used. Specimens were placed in conical tubes with 50 ml of each of the test solutions for 1 hour. A microhardness test and scanning electron microscopy were used to measure enamel erosion. Acid separation was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography to analyze the composition of each test solution. RESULTS: Similar decreases in the Vickers hardness number (VHN) were observed among the groups treated with the following diluted fruit nectars: diluted mandarin nectar (75.9 ΔVHN), diluted lemon nectar (89.1 ΔVHN), diluted grapefruit nectar (91.7 ΔVHN), and diluted orange nectar (92.5 ΔVHN). No statistically significant differences were found in the enamel surface hardness after erosion (p>0.05). Citric and malic acids were the major organic acids in the test fruits. The lemon and orange groups had the highest malic acid concentrations, and the mandarin group had the lowest malic acid concentration. CONCLUSION: The titratable acidity and the citric and malic acid contents of the fruits could be crucial factors responsible for enamel erosion. Therefore, fruit-based drinks should be regarded as potentially erosive.
Subject(s)
Beverages , Chromatography, Liquid , Citric Acid , Citrus paradisi , Citrus sinensis , Dental Enamel , Fruit , Hardness , In Vitro Techniques , Microscopy , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Plant Nectar , Tooth ErosionABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effects of Galla chinensis extract (GCE) and calcium (CA) on enamel remineralization. The antibacterial effect of G. chinensis on Streptococcus mutans biofilm was also evaluated by examining the bacterial growth, acidogenesis, and morphology of the biofilm in vitro. METHODS: S. mutans biofilm was formed on bovine enamel specimens over a 72-h period and treated for 10 min with 1.0 mol CA, 4,000 ppm aqueous solution of GCE, or a combination of the two (GCE+CA). The enamel specimens were analyzed for enamel surface microhardness after remineralization. We tested the anti-cariogenic effects of GCE based on the inhibition of acid production, antibacterial activity, and morphological changes in S. mutans. The differences between the groups and antibacterial effects were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: GCE+CA group showed the highest efficacy in enhancing remineralization. The GCE group showed the highest antibacterial activity against S. mutans biofilm. Although the GCE+CA group showed significant antibacterial activity, it was less than that of the GCE group (P < 0.05). Both GCE and GCE+CA groups maintained a pH of approximately 7.0 for 1 h whereas the pH of the control group decreased rapidly from pH 7.3 to pH 6.1. SEM imaging revealed that S. mutans treated with GCE and GCE+CA showed irregular cell wall structure and showed fewer cells in the chain than the typical long chains observed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that natural G. chinensis significantly enhances enamel remineralization, and exerts synergistic effects with calcium. It also exerts strong bactericidal activity and inhibits acid production and changes in the microstructure of S. mutans biofilm.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents , Biofilms , Calcium , Cell Wall , Dental Enamel , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , In Vitro Techniques , Streptococcus mutans , StreptococcusABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the antiplaque and antigingivitis effectiveness of aqueous single-phase and oil-water two-phase mouthrinses, containing bamboo salt, magnolia bark, and Centella asiatica extracts, in Korean adults. METHODS: In this double-blinded clinical trial, a total of thirty-four participants aged over 19 years were randomly allocated to three experimental groups: 1) control group; 2) aqueous single-phase mouthrinse (ASM) group, and; 3) oil-water two-phase mouthrinse (OTM) group. The experimental mouthrinses all contained sodium fluoride, and the ASM and OTM contained additional ingredients of bamboo salt, magnolia bark, and Centella asiatica extracts. For the OTM, 50% essential oil was added to create an oil-water two-phase mouthrinse. A two-week randomized crossover design with a two-week washout period was applied. Following a complete dental prophylaxis, participants were instructed to use the prescribed mouthrinse twice daily for two weeks as an adjunct to their usual mechanical oral hygiene procedures. Pre- and post-experiment clinical examinations were performed to measure the plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) for the full mouth. Paired t-test was applied to compare the intergroup differences for all clinical variables. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, ASM showed a significantly reduced BOP (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the effects of the three mouthrinses on reducing the PI. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the use of an aqueous, single-phase mouthrinse containing bamboo salt, magnolia bark and Centella asiatica extracts could help alleviate gingivitis.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Centella , Cross-Over Studies , Dental Prophylaxis , Gingivitis , Hemorrhage , Magnolia , Mouth , Oral Hygiene , Sodium FluorideABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This pilot study aimed to obtain preliminary data on the associations between atherosclerosisand periodontitis, physical health status, and general and oral health behaviors. METHODS: Thirty-three subjects were recruited from among those who underwent carotid computed tomography (CT) angiography and general health check-up at the Seoul National University Hospital Health Examination Center (SNUHHEC). Two trained dentists conducted a periodontal examination to evaluate probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by study subjects, following informed consent. Data on physical health status were collected through review of medical records from the SNUHHEC. Information on general health behavior was obtainedfrom the self-reported questionnaire. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0®. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: A marginal, but non-significant association was noted between atherosclerosis and periodontitis(P=0.373). Flossing habit showed a significant association with periodontitis (P=0.007) and obesity (P=0.033). A possible association was noted between daily exercise and flossing (P=0.073). The habitual use of interdental brush also showed borderline association with smoking (P=0.098) and a stronger associationwith previous periodontal treatment (P=0.067); however, these associations were not statisticallysignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study did not show an association between arteriosclerosis and periodontal disease.However, positive oral health care behavior, especially flossing, seems to alleviate arteriosclerosis. In other words, in this pilot survey, we confirmed the possibility that healthy oral care behavior can help to alleviate arteriosclerosis. Future large-scale studies are needed to confirm whether positive oral health care behaviors improve overall health.
Subject(s)
Humans , Angiography , Arteriosclerosis , Atherosclerosis , Dental Care , Dentists , Health Behavior , Informed Consent , Medical Records , Obesity , Oral Health , Overweight , Periodontitis , Pilot Projects , Seoul , Smoke , SmokingABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of remineralization over time after application of fluoride varnish with and without tricalcium phosphate (TCP). METHODS: This in vitro study used extracted bovine lateral incisors without dental caries. Artificial lesions were created in the enamel specimens. The amount of mineral loss (ΔF(before)) was measured using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). Test fluoride varnishes (10 mg) were applied to the enamel surface of the specimen and dried for 4 min. No fluoride varnish was applied to the specimens in the control group. Each group was randomly assigned 12 specimens, and remineralization was allowed to occur to different time points (0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h) in each group. Specimens were washed with distilled water and dried with compressed air for 3 s. ΔF(after) was determined using QLF. RESULTS: When fluoride varnish containing TCP was applied for up to 6 h, the amount of mineral loss significantly increased, and when non-TCP fluoride varnish was applied for up to 12 hours, the amount of mineral loss significantly increased (P<0.05). However, the amount of mineral loss was higher in the control group. The difference between ΔF(before) and ΔF(after) (ΔΔF) increased over time. There was a significant difference between the TCP group and the control group after 6 h. The non-TCP group showed a significant difference after 24 h compared to the control group. After 12 h, significant differences were observed in the TCP group compared to both the non-TCP and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the degree of remineralization increased gradually over time after fluoride varnish application compared to the control group. In particular, fluoride varnish containing TCP showed better remineralization capability than varnish without TCP.