Fluoride Administration Research Articles

Вплив комплексу біопротекторів на динаміку активності амінотрансфераз у сироватці крові за умов окремої та одночасної дії свинцю і фтору (експериментальні дослідження)

Lead and fluoride enter the human body individually and simultaneously through water, food, and air, disrupting metabolic processes in liver tissue. The sequential application of a bioprotective complex that reduce the negative effects of lead and fluoride has been insufficiently studied. The aim of the study is to investigate the changes over time in the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the blood serum of laboratory animals under prolonged separate and simultaneous exposure to lead and fluoride, without application of bioprotective agents and during the sequential addition of pectin, pectin with calcium, and a complex of pectin, calcium, and antioxidants to the standard animal diet. Materials and Methods. Four clinical trial series were conducted on white rats, each following an orthogonal design 22. Aqueous solutions of Pb(NO3)2 and NaF were administered orally separately and simultaneously over 30 days: in the first series without bioprotective agents, in the second with pectin, in the third with pectin and calcium, and in the fourth with a complex of pectin, calcium, and antioxidants – C, E, and β-carotene vitamins, and selenium. The activity of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases was measured in blood serum on days 3, 15, and 30 in the first and second series of experiments, and on day 30 in the third and fourth series. Results. Separate and simultaneous oral administration of lead and fluoride to white rats leads to increased activity of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases in blood serum. The maximum changes were observed at the end of the experiment. The protective role of pectin alone under long-term fluoride expos ure and simultaneous exposure to lead and fluoride was not sufficiently effective. Concurrent intake of calcium and pectin significantly reduced the increase in transaminase activity, indicating an improvement in the metabolic and functional state of the liver. The application of the bioprotective complex restored the aminotransferase activity in blood serum. Conclusions. The complex of pectin with calcium and antioxidants can be considered an optimal means of correcting aminotransferase activity in blood serum under prolonged separate and simultaneous exposure to lead and fluoride.

DENTAL CARIES PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION AND GIVING FLUORIDE FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Background: Dental caries among elementary school students remain high to this day. The occurrence of dental caries is often linked to poor oral hygiene, leading to damage in the tooth's hard tissues. A promotive and preventive approach is necessary, especially for elementary school students during the critical period of transitioning from primary to permanent dentition. Objective: This community engagement program aimed to improve dental hygiene and oral health among elementary school students through education, mass toothbrushing activities, and giving topical fluoride. Method: The methodology included dental hygiene and caries examinations, followed by educational sessions, mass toothbrushing activities, and the administration of topical fluoride to protect teeth from caries attacks. The evaluation of success is determined by comparing the oral hygiene index before and after the activity. Results: The evaluation results indicate that the educational outreach and mass toothbrushing campaign have had a positive impact on improving the overall oral hygiene levels of students. The number of students classified under the "good" category has increased, while those in the "fair" and "poor" categories have shown a decrease. Conclusion: The comprehensive approach, comprising dental health education, mass toothbrushing sessions, and the administration of fluoride during this community service initiative, has proven to yield positive benefits in enhancing the oral hygiene of students.

Application of Modern Technology in Minimal Invasive Dentistry - A Narrative Review

Preserving human anatomy and physiology is the ultimate goal of all health-related endeavours.The conservation of healthy tooth structure is the goal of minimal-intervention dentistry. The concept of "minimum/minimal intervention dental care" first appeared in the early 1980s. From its origins in general medicine, the minimum intervention philosophy in dentistry was created, focusing patient-oriented oral and dental care to prevent and treat oral disorders and maintaining over all oral health. A more conservative approach to tooth preparation and restoration in operative dentistry is called minimally invasive restorative dentistry. This terminology is relatively new. It comprises prompt identification prior to the onset of cavitation, sealing fissures and pits in uninfected areas, fluoride administration, minimum surgical repair of carious lesions, caries risk evaluation, and patient education regarding self-care. A wide range of methods are used, from initial identification of any demineralized tooth structure to evaluation and therapy, including air abrasion, laser cavity preparation, chemo-mechanical caries removal, and hand instrumentation. Adopting the current advanced method requires sufficient knowledge. The trio that comprises tissue histology, dental biomaterials science and professional patient care and management of materials are considered by the "golden triangle" of minimally invasive treatment options for dental caries in order to enable the successful application of minimally invasive dentistry in all patients. The term "minimal intervention dentistry" (MID) was first used in the early 2000s in a policy statement. Maintaining the greatest amount of healthy tooth structure and keeping teeth functional for life are the goals of MID. This approach is endorsed by the World Dental Federation (FDI) as the modern approach to dental caries management

Effect of Sodium Fluoride on Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant System in Male Wistar Rats

This research aimed to examine the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in the serum, aorta, and cardiac tissues of male Wistar rats. The increased attention to sodium fluoride and its detrimental effects on human health in recent years has led to concerns. Excessive ingestion and accumulation of sodium fluoride from water, toothpaste, and pesticides could initiate oxidative stress in the blood, aorta, and heart. This heightened oxidative stress and disturbance in the antioxidant system pose a significant risk and may predispose the body to severe vascular and cardiovascular-related diseases, which are leading causes of global mortality. In this study, ten male Wistar rats weighing 150-180g were grouped into two (n=5). Group I Control received distilled water, and Group 2 received 10mg/kg NaF orally for 21 days. Markers of oxidative stress malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in the serum, aorta, and heart. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of student t-test at α0.05. The data were presented as mean ± SEM. The oral administration of sodium fluoride resulted in an elevation of MDA levels in the serum, aorta, and heart of the rats exposed to NaF. Additionally, the oral administration of sodium fluoride led to a reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in the serum, aorta, and heart of rats exposed to NaF. Furthermore, the oral administration of sodium fluoride resulted in a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the serum, aorta, and heart of rats exposed to sodium fluoride. This study demonstrated that sodium fluoride exposure diminishes the antioxidant capacity in the serum, aorta, and heart, indicating that sodium fluoride exposure induces oxidative stress, potentially affecting the functions of the aorta and heart. Therefore, the continuous exposure to fluoride in populations residing in regions with endemic fluorosis worldwide should be a topic of considerable concern. This research work was self-funded. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Fluoride and caries prevention: a scoping review of public health policies.

Dental caries is the most common infectious disease, affecting approximately 60 to 90% of the world population, especially young children, and disadvantaged communities. Due to the extremely high prevalence and the significant negative impact on general health, well-being, and quality of life it is considered a global public health problem. Despite the improvement of policies to promote oral health care in the past decades, dental caries is still a healthcare challenge, characterized by increasing disparities among different social groups between and within countries. Fluoride-based prevention of dental caries is a cost-effective approach, that has been implemented since 1940's. It includes systemic and topical administrations, through community-based or individual programs. Preventive interventions should be tailored to individual and community caries risk assessment and estimate of cumulative fluoride intake, in order to maximize the preventive effect and avoid the risk of potential adverse effects associated with excessive fluoride exposure. Regulation of public health policies plays a major role in this context. Scoping review. The aim of this scoping review was to report an overview of current guidelines regarding fluoride-based preventive strategies for dental caries and relevant policies on the matter, as well as to address current issues related to public health aspects of dental caries prevention. We searched for the relevant literature on the matter, focusing on policy documents, such as recommendations, position papers and guidelines, issued from the major scientific and regulatory institutions involved in oral health promotion and on publications concerning relevant aspects of public health law. Prevention of dental caries through fluoride can rely on topical fluorides for home-use (toothpastes and mouthrinses), professionally applied topical fluorides (gels, varnishes, silver diamine fluoride, fluoride-releasing restorative materials and sealants), fluoride supplements (tablets and drops), and community-based strategies (community water fluoridation, fluoridated salt and milk). Current relevant guidelines for all these preventive aids are outlined in the paper. A significantly greater preventive effect of topical fluorides has been widely established in the recent past, as compared to systemic effects. Furthermore, increasing concerns have emerged on potential adverse effects on general health associated with early and excessive systemic exposure to fluoride, especially for children, supported by recent meta-analyses. Also, community water fluoridation has raised significant aspects of relevance for health law and policies. In a public health perspective, healthcare policymakers should tackle social iniquities by promoting information and oral health literacy, through community and school-based programs, ensuring access to early dental visits and basic dental care and improving availability and affordability of fluoride topical products. Conclusions. Fluoride-based prevention can provide a simple and cost-effective approach to reduce the incidence of dental caries and the associated social burden. Among fluoride-based preventive strategies, systemic community-based administration of fluoride should be considered with great caution, due to the unfavorable risk-benefit ratio currently established. Topical fluoridated pro-ducts are generally preferred, given the optimal risk-benefit ratio. Further efforts must be made to identify and tackle the barriers to dental caries prevention and related social iniquities from a public health perspective. Policies and laws on oral health should promote access to caries prevention with targeted comprehensive strategies.

Ameliorative Effects of Orange Juice on Sodium Fluoride Induced Gastro-Hepatic Toxicity in Mice

Floride toxicity has been under discussion and investigations when taken in excess amounts. Floride leaching into the water bodies as a result of industrialization is a common issue facing most of the developing countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh etc. This leached fluoride has the ability to cause a myriad of disorders when incorporated in animal bodies. Objective: To find out the ameliorative effect of orange juice against toxic effects of sodium fluoride influencing damaging effect on liver and stomach. Methods: The mice were divided in six groups. The control group was only Nestle’s water, while different concentrations of sodium fluoride (2.50µg/g, 5.00µg/g and 7.50µg/g body weight) were prepared and administered orally in mice for 30 days. Then all treated groups were supplied with fresh natural orange juice for next 30 days to test its ameliorative potential. Results: The data revealed the significant reduction of body weight (p<0.001), stomach length, stomach diameter (p < 0.05) while hepato- somatic and gastro-somatic index increased (p < 0.05) in treated groups as compared to control group after sodium fluoride administration. Morphological studies revealed different abnormalities in treated groups such as spots on the liver and stomach, swelling of stomach, constriction of fundic and cardiac regions and lobes of liver. Conclusions: This study clearly revealed that sodium fluoride is potentially toxic to organs of albino mice, especially liver and stomach and that orange juice demonstrated ameliorative potential against the toxicity due to sodium fluoride.

Integrative transcriptome and metabolome analysis of fluoride exposure induced developmental neurotoxicity in mouse brain

Fluoride could cause developmental neurotoxicity and significantly affect the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children. However, the systematic mechanism of neuronal damage caused by excessive fluoride administration in offspring is largely unknown. Here, we present a comprehensive integrative transcriptome and metabolome analysis to study the mechanism of developmental neurotoxicity caused by chronic fluoride exposure. Comparing the different doses of fluoride treatments in two generations revealed the exclusive signature of metabolism pathways and gene expression profiles. In particular, neuronal development and synaptic ion transport are significantly altered at the gene expression and metabolite accumulation levels for both generations, which could act as messengers and enhancers of fluoride-induced systemic neuronal injury. Choline and arachidonic acid metabolism, which highlighted in the integrative analysis, exhibited different regulatory patterns between the two generations, particularly for synaptic vesicle formation and inflammatory factor transport. It may suggest that choline and arachidonic acid metabolism play important roles in developmental neurotoxic responses for offspring mice. Our study provides comprehensive insights into the metabolomic and transcriptomic regulation of fluoride stress responses in the mechanistic explanation of fluoride-induced developmental neurotoxicity.

Protective Effects of Aloe Vera on Aluminium Fluoride Toxicity on Haematological Parameters in Male Albino Rats

High concentration of AlF3 is known to cause serious effects on several body functions. Fluoride while low level of fluoride help strengthen and protect tooth enamel, too much F can cause dental fluorosis. Aloe vera plant is a medicinal plant its belonging to the family Liliaceae. The quality of Aloe vera is wound healing, burns, diabetes, to relieve the intestinal, arthritis swelling and cure ulcers. Extract of Aloe vera managed to male albino rats with high blood glucose levels resulted in a significant decrease in the plasma glucose levels of the male rats. Healthy and adult male albino rats weighted between 150-200g were administrated orally Aluminium fluoride (AlF3) 200mg/kg body weight and Aloe vera 300mg/kg body weight for a period of 60 days. Male albino rats divided in two groups. Group l–Control group, rats were maintained on normal diet and tap water. Group ll-Treated group, Aluminium fluoride treated group and Aluminium fluoride + Aloe vera treated group. After 60 days the rats were fasted overnight and sacrificed under mild ether anesthesia. In this study observed that aluminium fluoride administration toxic effects on haematological parameters in male albino rats. The value of TEC (Total Erythrocyte Counts) and Hb.con. (Haemoglobin Concentration) are decreased and TLC (Total Leucocyte Count) is increased. This study revealed that Aloe vera alleviated the toxic effect of aluminium fluoride. Aloe vera has protective influences on the haematological parameters in male albino rats

Laser Application in Remineralisation of Enamel after Interproximal Reduction: An In-vitro Scanning Electron Microscopic Study

Introduction: Interproximal Reduction (IPR) or reproximation of enamel is of prime importance in orthodontics for correcting arch length-tooth size discrepancies. Despite its widespread application, IPR has been associated with adverse effects on the enamel surface. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether laser application, when combined with fluoride application, enhances the remineralisation potential of enamel. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from December 2021 to July 2022. It involved 54 extracted teeth, divided into three groups of 18 samples each. Reproximation of 0.25 mm was performed on the proximal enamel surface of each tooth. Group 1 served as the control, group 2 was subjected to Fluor Protector, and group 3 received low-level laser therapy (Er,Cr:YSGG) after Fluor Protector application. Fluor Protector (Ivoclar Vivadent) was applied for seven days. Following the seven-day fluoride administration, a laser treatment using 0.75 W of power and 8.5 J/cm2 of energy was applied for 20 seconds. Microhardness testing was conducted on the samples using a Vickers Hardness Tester. All specimens underwent surface topographic analysis with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and were evaluated for mineral content (% weight) using SEM-Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis (EDX). Paired t-tests were performed to compare the pre- and post-microhardness values, while one-way Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) test and Tukey’s Post-hoc test were used to compare the microhardness values between the groups. Results: The mean microhardness values recorded for group 1, group 2, and group 3 were 209.4±18.4 N/mm2 , 215.16±21.0 N/ mm2 , and 233±18.05 N/mm2 , respectively. ANOVA test revealed a significant difference in microhardness values between group 1 and group 2 (p-value=0.004), as well as between group 1 and group 3 (p-value=0.001). The microhardness value was highest for group 3, followed by group 2 post-intervention. SEM analysis showed that laser-treated enamel surfaces were smoother, with well-coalesced enamel rods. The porous structure of enamel was lost due to fluoride deposition in group 2 and group 3, resulting in a smooth surface. Conclusion: The combined application of fluoride and laser therapy demonstrated synergistic effects in remineralising the slenderised enamel. This simple, non-invasive technique may benefit patients undergoing IPR procedures by reducing the occurrence of dental caries.

Fluoride induces morphological change in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) during germination and early seedling

The goal of this study was to assess the toxicological effects of exposing popular variety of fenugreek [Trigonella foenum-graecum L.] to fluoride during the germination and early seedling stages. In January 2022, the experiment was carried out at Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai. Surface sterilized seeds of uniform size were set for germination in petri-plates over cotton beds, treated with fluoride solutions of varied strengths (0.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 mM), made from a stock solution of sodium fluoride (50.0mM). The results showed that fluoride might cause considerable phytotoxicity during germination and seedling growth. Fluoride administration resulted 13 to 43.10% suppression of germination from 2.0mM to 6.0mM. Similar results were also found in germination index, germination energy, relative germination rate and seedling vigor index which were significantly reduced by 43.1, 43.1, 34.0, and 84.0% in 150.0 mM, respectively. Fluoride also had significant detrimental impact on seedling length (71.78%) in the intact seven days with increasing doses of fluoride.

Fluoride induces morphological change in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) during germination and early seedling

The goal of this study was to assess the toxicological effects of exposing popular variety of fenugreek [Trigonella foenum-graecum L.] to fluoride during the germination and early seedling stages. In January 2022, the experiment was carried out at Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai. Surface sterilized seeds of uniform size were set for germination in petri-plates over cotton beds, treated with fluoride solutions of varied strengths (0.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 mM), made from a stock solution of sodium fluoride (50.0mM). The results showed that fluoride might cause considerable phytotoxicity during germination and seedling growth. Fluoride administration resulted 13 to 43.10% suppression of germination from 2.0mM to 6.0mM. Similar results were also found in germination index, germination energy, relative germination rate and seedling vigor index which were significantly reduced by 43.1, 43.1, 34.0, and 84.0% in 150.0 mM, respectively. Fluoride also had significant detrimental impact on seedling length (71.78%) in the intact seven days with increasing doses of fluoride.

THE ROLE OF AP-1 TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR ACTIVATION IN THE CHANGES OF PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION OF NITRIC OXIDE IN THE GASTRIC MUCOSA OF RATS UNDER CONDITIONS OF CHRONIC FLUORIDE INTOXICATION

Millions of people are affected by excessive fluoride intake. The effect of fluorides on the activation or inhibition of redox-sensitive transcription factors remains poorly understood. The aim of this research is to examine the effect of activation of the transcription factor AP-1 on changes in the activity of inducible NO synthase and constitutive isoforms of NO synthase, concentrations of peroxynitrites of alkali and alkaline earth metals, concentrations of nitrites and nitrosothiols in the gastric mucosa of rats under conditions of chronic fluoride intoxication. The study was conducted on 18 adult male Wistar rats weighing 220-260 g. Experimental animals were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each: control, chronic fluoride intoxication group and AP-1 transcription factor blockade group. Chronic fluoride intoxication was simulated by the administration of sodium fluoride at a dose of 10 mg / kg for 30 days. AP-1 blockade was performed by administering SR11302 at a rate of 15 mg / kg twice a week. In the gastric mucosa, the following was studied: the activities of constitutive and inducible isoforms of NO synthase, the concentration of nitrites, peroxynitrites and nitrosothiols. Chronic fluoride intoxication reduces the activity of constitutive NO synthases by 37.73% and increases the activity of inducible NO synthase by 1.61 times. The concentration of peroxynitrites increases by 2.68 times, nitrites – by 1.74 times, and nitrosothiols – by 1.88 times. Blockade of AP-1 reduces the activity of inducible isoform by 2.11, does not affect the activity of constitutive isoforms, and reduces the concentration of peroxynitrites by 1.98 times, nitrites – by 2.10 times, and nitrosothiols – by 2.37 times. Activation of the transcription factor AP-1 under conditions of chronic excessive fluoride intake leads to increased production of nitric oxide in the gastric mucosa of rats, enhances its oxidation to nitrites, promotes the formation of nitrosyl groups in the reaction with low molecular weight donors of thiol groups and increases the peroxidation of nitric oxide with the formation of peroxynitrite.

Effects of Oral Administration of Sodium Fluoride on Oxidative Stress Markers and Salivary Glands (biochemical and histopathological study)

Aims: to investigate serum biochemical changes (malondialdehyde levels and T-AOC) and the histopathological changes of salivary glands. Materials and Methods: Twelve healthy mature male rabbits were included in the study.Group one (6 animals): the rabbits were maintained on a standard diet and water without any treatment for 30 days. Group two (6 animals): the rabbits were given) NaF at the dose of 20 mg/kg/day (dissolved in 400 ml of distilled water for 30 days. At the end of one month of treatment, the animals were sacrificed and (5ml) of blood samples were taken from all animals via jugular vein during the animal sacrificing. Serum were separated from all samples and stored at -20 ˚C till time of analysis by colorimetric Assay kit for both total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) by (Elabscience, Cat. No. E-BC-K136-S, TBA method) and malondialdehyde (MDA) by (Elabscience, Cat.No.E-BC-K025-S, TBA method).Tissue samples from parotid and sub-mandibular salivary glands were isolated and examined under a light microscope for histopathological changes. Results: Significant differences were founded between the values of serum biochemical markers between control and treatment groups. T-AOC in control group was higher than in treatment group, while MDA level in treatment group was higher than control group. Sections of the parotid and submandibular glands taken from the control group appeared to have the normal histological structure compared to the treated group, which showed an acute inflammatory cell infiltration, Hyperemia with thickening of blood vessels wall. Conclusions: NaF at dose of 20 mg/kg/day for 30 days can lead to a decrease in T-AOC with considerable inflammatory changes in tissues of salivary glands of rabbits.

A novel sustained release fluoride strip based Poly(propylene carbonate) for preventing caries

Low-level fluoride in the oral environment for a long sustained period is more effective for preventing caries. However, the current fluoride delivery methods have a short fluoride retention time and high-dose fluoride administration may increase the risk of dental fluorosis. This study developed a novel fluoride strip based poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC), which can improve oral fluoride retention for desirable anticaries effect with minimal side effects. The fluoride strips based PPC (NaF-PPC strips) with different fluoride contents (0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 wt.%) were developed by melt-blending method. The physico-chemical characteristics, drug loading, drug release properties, remineralization and antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility of NaF-PPC strips were investigated. The in vitro drug release studies indicated that fluoride release in a sustained manner with no initial burst release and approximately 100% of fluoride ions were released from PPC strips over 24 days. NaF-PPC strips exhibited excellent remineralization and antibacterial potential when fluoride content up to 5%. Combination with biocompatibility, 2.5% NaF-PPC strips could be a promising fluoride application for preventing caries. This work provides an effective and novel topical fluoride delivery for general use.

Relationship between the monoamine oxidase gene overactivity and the other pathophysiological and behavioral parameters implicated in memory deficiency in albino Winstar rats as Alzheimer’s disease model

The current study aimed to assess the pathophysiology mechanisms that mediate the effect on albin winstar rats' memory induced by the co -administration of fluoride and aluminum sulfate, as a model of Alzheimer's disease. This was done by assessing monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) activity, antioxidant activity, H2O2 and amyloid-β concentration in the hippocampus, embedded deep into the brain's temporal lobe, and level of cytokines in serum. The polymerase chain reaction approach was used to genotyping MAO-A, followed by single -stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) coupled with sequencing technique. The experimental animals were divided into two groups: control and treated groups. The uptake of heavy metals led to significantly increased MAO-A activity, amyloid -β deposition, H2O2 and cytokines levels in the treated group. However, the finding showed a significant decrease in antioxidant activity in the treated group. The results indicated that metals caused memory and learning impairments. PCR -SSCP genotyping showed many SNPs and haplotypes of the MAO-A exon 2 region, which showed the MAO-A gene polymorphism changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. The overall results indicated a role of metals to induce oxidative stress stimulating pathophysiological hallmarks in the hippocampus due to an increase in the influx of monoamine oxidase expression, which has been implicated in impaired memory, this study focused on the genetic variation of the exon 2 in monoamine oxidase-A gene and its relationship to Alzheimer's disease with the presence of several single nucleotide polymorphisms that may be related to Alzheimer's disease model in rats.

Distribution of Fluoride in Plasma, Brain, and Bones and Associated Oxidative Damage After Induced Chronic Fluorosis in Wistar Rats.

The study was aimed to determine fluoride levels in plasma, brain, and bones of Wistar rats following chronic administration of fluoride at different dose levels and the consequent oxidative damage inflicted in these tissues. Brain histomorphology and bone radiographs were also evaluated to assess the extent of damage in these organs. Eighteen rats were randomly divided into three groups with six animals in each group. Group I served as control and groups II and III received 50 and 100ppm fluoride in tap water, respectively for 180days. A dose-dependent rise in the levels of fluoride in plasma, brain, and bones was observed in rats. Significant (P < 0.05) alterations in levels of total thiols, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, acetylcholinesterase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, lipids, as well as protein peroxidation in blood and brain were observed as compared to control in a dose-dependent manner. Radiological examination of bone revealed thinning of bone cortex with haphazard ossification, reduced bone density, and widening of marrow cavity indicating occurrence offlawed bone remodeling upon chronic fluoride exposure. Improper mineralization in bones of intoxicated rats indirectly reflected reduced bone tensile strength. Moreover, alterations in plasma Ca:P ratio and high levels of fluoride in bone ash indicated that chronic fluoride exposure leads to alterations in the bone matrix further corroborating the radio-graphical findings. Additionally, severe microscopic alterations were recorded in the cerebrum and cerebellum of treated rats which included neuronal necrosis, gliosis, spongiosis, perivascular cuffing, congestion, and hemorrhage which correlated well with oxidative changes induced by fluoride intoxication in the brain tissue of rats.

Parents’ Knowledge and Behavior Regarding Fluoride Use for Their Children

(1) Background: Parents need an increased level of awareness regarding the role of fluoride in maintaining optimal oral health of their children. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of parents’ knowledge and behavior towards fluoride administration in children. (2) Methods: an online self-administered Google Forms questionnaire was used. (3) Results: 73.97% did not administer fluoride products to their children. From 16 parents who have given their child local fluoride products, 15.06% made it on the recommendation of the dentist. In total, 71.23% did not know exactly the importance of using fluoride for optimal oral health of the child. In total, 63.01% did not know the possible side effects of excess fluoride. (4) Conclusions: The dentist has an important role to educate the parents and also their children on the appropriate use of fluoride at home and in dental offices, explaining to them the benefits it brings for optimal oral health status and to motivate patients for adequate oral hygiene, proper diet and regular check-ups.

IMPACT OF AMMONIUM PYROLIDINE DITHIOCARBAMATE ON BIOMECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FEMORAL BONE IN RATS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF COMBINED EXCESSIVE INTAKE OF FLUORIDE AND SODIUM NITRATE

This article describes the effect of ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of NF-κB activation, on the biomechanical characteristics of femoral bones in rats under the conditions of combined excess intake of fluoride and sodium nitrate. The series of experiments were performed on 30 white Wistar rats weighing 190-240 g, divided into 3 groups: 1st group included intact animals, 2nd group included animals exposed to the combined administration of sodium fluoride (10 mg/kg body weight) and sodium nitrate (500 mg / kg body weight) for 30 days; the 3rd group included rats, who starting from the 15th day of intoxication were injected with an inhibitor of NF-κB activation, ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate is a dose of 76 mg / kg 3 times a week. The investigation of the biomechanical properties of the femur was performed according to a 2-point scheme (linear rupture test) and a 3-point scheme (bending test) using a rupture machine RMU-0.05-1 with an assessment of rupture load (strength) and bone elongation (elasticity); we also applied a 4-point scheme (bending test) using the deformation test setup MRC-1 with following calculation of the Young's modulus, tensile strength, relative residual deformation to failure and relative elongation to failure. The administration of ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate under the conditions of the experiment significantly increased the tensile load at linear rupture and bending by 35.3 and 23.5%, respectively, compared with the results in the 2nd group. The relative elongation of the femoral bones in the test for linear rupture and flexion was more pronounced than the values ​​of the 2nd group by 7.9 and 18.6%. When testing for bending according to the 4-point scheme using the deformation setup MRK-1, we revealed a probable increase in the Young's modulus of elasticity by 19.8% compared to the results in the 2nd group. However, the indicators of the limit of elasticity and strength, the relative elongation of the extreme fibers before fracture did not change significantly. This enables us to conclude that ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, the inhibitor of the NF-κB transcription factor, used under the conditions of combined administration of fluoride and sodium nitrate can serve an effective osteoprotective agent, which increases the strength and elasticity of the femoral bones.

Gastrodin alleviates bone damage by modulating protein expression and tissue redox state.

Fluorosis is a common disease characterized by disruptions in bone metabolism and enamel development. The production of reactive oxygen species is thought to play an important role in fluorosis. Gastrodin (4-hydroxybenzylalcohol4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside) has been reported to have antioxidative activity, and so here we examined whether gastrodin has protective effects against oxidative stress and bone tissue toxicity in rats with fluorosis. Wistar rats were given different doses of gastrodin 1month after fluoride administration, and samples of blood, bone and teeth were collected after 2, 3 and 4months; glutathione peroxidase glu, CAT and SOD levels in the fluorosis group were lower than those in the control group. Gastrodin treatment in rats ameliorated oxidative stress and fluoride accumulation that were induced by fluoride; treatment with 400mg·kg-1 gastrodin protected trabecular bone structure and reduced femur and alveolar bone injury in rats with fluorosis. Enhanced expression of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase (caspase) 3, caspase-9 and Bax and decreased expression of Bcl-2 induced by fluoride were also reversed by gastrodin. In summary, the present data suggest that gastrodin, and in particular a dose of 400mg·kg-1 , can improve the antioxidative capacity of rats, reduce concentration of fluoride in tissues, alleviate bone damage and modulate expression of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9.

Global application of oral disease prevention and health promotion as measured 10years after the 2007 World Health Assembly statement on oral health.

ObjectivesThe WHO World Health Assembly established in 2007 a Resolution (WHA60.17) on oral health, which called upon countries to ensure that public health actions for disease prevention and health promotion are established. The objective of the present survey undertaken 10 years later (2017‐2018) was to measure the application of such programmes for key population age groups in low‐, middle‐ and high‐income countries.MethodsOral health focal points of ministries of health worldwide (n = 101) answered a structured questionnaire on existing national oral health systems and the actual public health activities. The response rate was 58.4%. The questionnaire was used to collect information about structural factors, country workforce, financial models, provision of preventive services and promotion for oral health, school health programmes, administration of fluoride, national oral health targets and oral health surveillance. The countries were classified by national income for analysis of data.ResultsCoverage of population groups by primary oral health care and emergency care varied by national income. The gap between countries in delivery of preventive care was strong since low‐income countries less often reported preventive activities than middle‐income countries and particularly when compared to high‐income countries. School oral health programmes were less frequent in low‐income than other countries. Moreover, population methods of fluoridation and use of fluoridated toothpaste were unusual in low‐income countries. Health education, mass communication and community events were often essential elements in health promotion. In disease prevention, many countries considered the link between oral health and general health conditions and intervention towards shared risk factors of NCDs. The health concern for the consumption of tobacco, unhealthy diet and sugars was particularly emphasized by high‐income countries but less highlighted by low‐income countries. Finally, while national oral health targets for children and surveillance systems were frequently reported by countries, similar systems for adolescents, adults and older people were rare.ConclusionsThe inequities between countries in oral disease prevention and health promotion were substantial. Limited financial resources for preventive care and health promotion; inadequate workforce for oral health, and insufficient coverage in primary health care were observed in low‐resource countries. The results of the survey demonstrate the need for building effective oral health systems oriented towards oral disease prevention and health promotion.