The effect of topical application of fluorides on the gingival tissues.

Abstract

There have been few previous investigations of the possible local effects on the gingivae of topically applied fluoride solutions and the results obtained have been contradictory. In the present study the immediate reaction of dog gingivae to topical application of sodium fluoride in concentrations of 0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 per cent, and the reaction to long term treatment by daily application of 2.0 per cent sodium fluoride solution to clinically healthy and chronically inflamed gingivae were studied. Immediate tissue reactions were assessed from changes of microvascular structure and function (Part 1). The effect of long‐term treatment was estimated from the amount of fluid in the gingival pocket (Part II). Application of sodium fluoride solutions to the crevicular epithelium in variably caused severe dysfunction of the blood vessels in chronically inflamed tissues but never of those in clinically healthy gingiva. Repeated topical applications of 2 percent NaF did not produce chronic gingivitis or aggravate an existing gingivitis.