If a patient suffers from xerostomia, what type of fluoride should be administered?

When treating a patient with xerostomia, the administration of fluoride plays a critical role in protecting the teeth. Neutral sodium fluoride is particularly suitable in this case due to its gentle nature and pH neutrality. Patients with xerostomia often experience an increased risk of dental caries due to reduced saliva flow, which is essential for natural oral health, remineralization of enamel, and the neutralization of acids.

Neutral sodium fluoride does not cause irritation to the oral mucosa, which can be especially important for patients who might already be dealing with discomfort due to dry mouth. It can be safely used without the risk of damage to dental tissues and is effective in providing topical fluoride therapy to aid in remineralization.

In contrast, options like acidulated phosphate fluoride may not be appropriate in xerostomic patients because the acidity can be harmful to already compromised enamel and may cause irritation in a dry environment. Silver diamine fluoride has its benefits, particularly in arresting decay, but it is not primarily used for prevention in xerostomia cases. Sodium fluoride varnish, while beneficial in many situations, may not be as preferred as neutral sodium fluoride for a patient with ongoing dry mouth issues.