Fluoride content of enamel during treatment and 2 years after discontinuation of treatment with fluoride varnishes.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the fluoride content of enamel during and after treatment with two fluoride varnishes in children with lifelong exposure to fluoridated drinking water. The varnishes were applied semiannually using the half-mouth technique. The fluoride content of enamel in upper bicuspids was determined using the acid etch biopsy twice during the 3-year treatment period and 2 years after the last treatment. The results of all determinations showed significantly higher values for fluoride in treated teeth compared to control teeth. The amount of fluoride in the enamel, however, did not increase as the number of applications increased. Fluoride uptake from Fluor Protector® was consistently greater than that from Duraphat®. The fluoride content did not diminish during the 2 posttreatment years.