Neutral Fluoride Gel Research Articles

Influence of fluoride characteristics on tooth surface protection in an erosive condition: A multifaceted characterization approach.

To evaluate the effect of fluoride consistency and composition to protect enamel and dentin against the dental erosion. Bovine enamel and dentin specimens were treated with artificial saliva, neutral fluoride gel (NFG), acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (AFG), neutral fluoride foam (NFF), and acidulated phosphate fluoride foam. The samples were subjected to cycling. Micro energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, surface roughness (Ra), contact angle (CA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. Composition, CA and Ra data were analyzed by ANOVA and multiple comparison test (p < 0.05). The dentin protected had a significantly higher mineral content than in the control. Eroded unprotected enamel had higher Ra values than normal surfaces. Fluoride treatments increased the Ra in dentin samples. AFG increased the CA in enamel. Fluoride foams increased CA in dentin with reduced mineral loss. SEM analysis found a deposited layer on enamel treated with AFG and remnants of deposits on dentin treated with NFG and NFF. Regardless of the form of application, fluoride provided protection against erosion, however with different levels. Applying the adequate fluoride form is relevant since the formulations have different effects on both enamel and dentin.

Effects of Homemade Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Olive Oil Paste on Remineralization of Early Caries Lesions

Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) particles are a new generation of materials reported to remineralize enamel lesions. The purpose we aimed was to compare the in vitro effects of fluoride gel, sodium fluoride toothpaste, and homemade nHAP paste on remineralizing artificial early enamel caries. Methods: Incipient caries were induced in 21 extracted, sound premolar teeth by storing each specimen in a demineralization solution for 72 hours, followed by pH cycling. The samples (n= 7, each) were then treated with 2% neutral fluoride gel, 0.25% sodium fluoride toothpaste, or homemade nHAP paste, comprising a mixture of nHAP powder and olive oil. After demineralization and remineralization, the results were compared using the DIAGNOdent pen (KaVo, Germany). The data were statistically analyzed using paired t-tests and a one-way ANOVA test. Outcomes: The degree of demineralization in each of the three groups (fluoride gel group, 15.71; sodium fluoride dentifrice group, 15.28; nHAP paste group, 16.71) was significantly elevated compared to baseline (3, 2.5, 2.28, respectively); however, no significant difference was observed between the remineralization readings in each of the three groups (6, 7, 5.5, respectively) (p &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, we concluded that the homemade nHAP paste had a beneficial effect on the remineralization of initial enamel caries lesions.

Early childhood caries management using fluoride varnish and neutral fluoride gel: a randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of varnish and neutral fluoride gel in the management of early childhood caries (ECC). A randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare two strategies for ECC management: topical application of neutral fluoride gel (NFG group) and varnish (FV group) every four months for a period of one year. The sample consisted of children between the ages of three and four years, enrolled in public daycare centers. The incidence of ECC between the groups was compared by assessing values (new dmfs) at two levels: d2 when enamel/dentin were affected and d3 when dentin affected. Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the incidence and increment of caries between the NFG and FV groups (p<0.05). A total of 240 children were included in this study and 213 children (88.7%) were followed up for 12 months. The incidence of ECC was 24.1% in the GF and 21.0% in the FV groups (p=0.586). The increment of caries in d2mfs was 1.36 (95% CI = 0.83 - 1.89) in the NFG and 1.33 (95% CI = 0.75 - 1.89) in FV (p=0.756) groups. Increment of caries in d3mfs was 1.60 (95% CI = 0.95 - 2.25) in NFG and 1.40 (95% CI = 0.75 - 2.04) in FV (p=0.468). Neutral fluoride gel and fluoride varnish exhibited similar efficacy in the management of ECC after 12 months of follow-up.

Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and cellular metal accumulation caused by professionally applied fluoride products in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances: A randomized clinical trial

Corrosion of metal orthodontic appliances caused by professional fluoride products has been recently concerned. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of these products on buccal mucosal cells from patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. A total of 44 patients, aged 12 to 35 years, who began orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances were included in this single-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomly allocated into 4 parallel groups according to the type of professional fluoride treatment applied after placing the appliances: acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF); neutral fluoride gel (NGel); fluoride varnish (FVa); and without fluoride treatment (control). Buccal cells were collected before treatment (T1) and 3 months after appliance placement (T2). The cells were assayed for cell viability and underwent Papanicolaou staining. Cells with micronuclei and degenerative nuclear alterations were scored using a light microscope. Cell metal content was quantified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test. The intracellular nickel content in the APF group significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas that of the control, NGel, and FVa groups did not. The changes in chromium concentration in all groups were not significantly different compared with control. Use of APF resulted in a significantly higher decrease in cell viability and increase in morphologic signs of cell death compared with control (P < 0.05). The change in frequency of micronucleated cells was not significantly different from that in the control group. Applying APF gel on fixed orthodontic appliances increased the cell metal content and decreased cell viability; however, genotoxic effects were absent. FVa and NGel are suggested as the products of choice to use during orthodontic treatment.

Enamel erosion prevention and mechanism: effect of 10.6-μm wavelength CO2 laser low power density irradiation studied by X-ray fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy

This study assessed the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser (λ = 10.6 μm, 5 W, 70 J/cm2) irradiation alone and after treatment with neutral fluoride gel on enamel and their efficacy in preventing enamel erosion compared to untreated and fluoride gel-treated enamel. Enamel surfaces of the bovine incisor (n = 7/group) were treated with artificial saliva (S, negative control), neutral fluoride (NF, positive control), CO2 laser irradiation (L), and NF + laser (NF + L). Samples were acid demineralized (soft drink, pH ~ 3.2, 10 min), remineralized (saliva, 37 °C, 1 h), and analyzed using micro-energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-EDXRF), attenuated total reflectance–Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results suggest that NF gives the best protection against erosion, followed by NF + L and L. μ- EDXRF showed that changes due to laser treatment in L and NF + L were uneven. SEM images showed morphological changes in L and NF + L such as craters, fissures, and roughness in some regions, again indicating the unevenness of laser-induced enamel changes. ATR-FTIR mean spectra intensity levels and principal component analysis also indicate higher efficacy of fluoride over laser treatments and unevenness of laser treatments. Overall, it can be concluded that CO2 laser parameters need to be further investigated to promote adequate protection with minimum surface changes.

Análise da rugosidade superficial de uma resina composta tratada com gel fluoretado em diferentes pH

Objetivo: O flúor acidulado é utilizado no controle da doença cárie, mas seus efeitos na superfície de resinas compostas são controversos. O objetivo do estudo é avaliar a rugosidade superficial de uma resina composta após a aplicação tópica de flúor in vitro. Métodos: Espécimes de resina Vittra (FGM) foram preparados (8mmx1mm) e polidos. Após avaliação do pH de produtos fluoretados, o de maior e menor pH foram selecionados para os experimentos. Foram testados três grupos experimentais (n=15): grupo 1 – flúor gel acidulado a 1,23% (Nova DFL) (menor pH:4,48±0,32), grupo 2 – flúor gel neutro a 2% (Nova DFL) (maior pH:7,03±0,40), grupo 3 – sem exposição ao flúor (controle negativo). O experimento simulou o protocolo padrão clínico de aplicação de flúor (uma aplicação por semana, durante um minuto, por quatro semanas). A rugosidade superficial foi mensurada antes e após o tratamento através de microscopia confocal e a característica superficial avaliada por imagens reconstruídas. Foi realizado teste ANOVA (post-hoc de Bonferroni) para comparar médias da rugosidade superficial entre grupos. Resultados: O grupo exposto ao flúor gel acidulado apresentou os maiores valores de rugosidade (Ra: 0,29±0,08), sendo maior que o grupo exposto ao gel neutro (Ra: 0,21±0,08) e controle (Ra: 0,23±0,05) (p

Low-level gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser irradiation (λ 830 nm) associated with and without fluoridated gel in the prevention of enamel erosion

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of a low-level gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser irradiation against erosion in bovine enamel without and combined with fluoride (F), as well as compared the effect of the F treatment alone. Eight-four enamel samples were used for 8 groups: negative control (artificial saliva, S); positive control (neutral fluoride gel, F); diode laser (222 J/cm2, L1); diode laser (444 J/cm2, L2); F_L1; F_L2; L1_F; L2_F. Fluoride gel was applied only once before or after irradiation. Laser treatment occurred with an 830-nm diode laser (continuous, beam diameter 0.028 cm2, power 100 mW, power density 3.57 W/cm2). The irradiation was conducted one time (L1, energy 6.2 J, 62 s, energy density 222 J/cm2) or two times (L2, energy 12.4 J, 124 s, energy density 444 J/cm2). The specimens were submitted to erosive challenge using orange juice. Surface compositional changes by micro energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-EDXRF), surface roughness, and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were evaluated after cycling. The laser energy density and the fluoride application (before or after laser) affected the mineral content. Treatments with the association laser/fluoride resulted in lower roughness values (Ra, μm) than in the negative control (p < 0.05). L1 treatment produced higher Ra values in the enamel than in the positive control (p < 0.05). The SEM images showed clear enamel loss after S and F and erosion compared with those of the laser-irradiated groups. The association of F gel with laser in this order resulted in relevant enamel protection.

Color evaluation of white spot lesions treated with resin infiltration after water or grape juice storage

Aim: To evaluate the color stability of bovine enamel with artificial white spot lesions treated with resin infiltration (ICON) or remineralization with fluoride using two storage methods. Methods: Sixty incisors were submitted to artificial white spot lesion induced by demineralization-remineralization (DE-RE) cycling. Initial color was evaluated with CIE-Lab to measure ΔEab. Demineralized teeth were divided according to the treatment of the white spot lesion (n = 20): 1) Remineralization with 2% neutral fluoride gel for 4min (control); 2) ICON application following manufacturer’s recommendations; and 3) ICON with decreased drying time after the application of ethanol. After 24h, color was evaluated and samples were subdivided (n = 10) according to storage: 1) distilled water for 1 month; 2) grape juice for 10min daily. After storage, color was evaluated. L*, a* and b* data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and ∆Eab data by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD (α = 0.05). Results: L* was affected by juice storage, and decreased when ICON was applied with decreased drying time after the ethanol application. The same behavior occurred with a* (increase with reduced drying time), while b* was not affected. For ∆Eab significant differences were observed between groups (p = 0.0219) and storage methods (p = 0.0007). There was no interaction effect (p = 0.1118). Remineralization with fluoride presented the lowest color changes after storage in water. Conclusion: Treatment of artificial carious lesions with resin infiltration presented greater color changes than fluoride remineralization after storage in both solutions in vitro.

Microhardness of bovine enamel after different fluoride application protocols.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate microhardness, mineral recovery and the enamel surface after the application of topical fluoride to artificial dental caries. Twenty-five bovine enamel blocks were prepared for artificial caries-like lesions and randomly divided into five groups (n=5): untreated (C control), 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APG), 2% neutral fluoride gel (NFG), 1.23% acidulated fluoride mousse (AFM) and fluoride varnish (5% Duraphat, DFV). Knoop microhardness (KHN) was evaluated after 7 and 14 days of treatment as well as 1 week after 28 days of treatment. Electron and confocal microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy were performed. KHN data were treated with two-way ANOVA (material×time) and Tukey's test at a 5% significance level. Differences were found among groups over time (p<0.001). Microhardness varied after 7 and 14 days of treatment and remained stable 1 week after 28 days of treatment. Mineral recovery and enamel topography varied among groups, with the fluoride varnish achieving the most uniform topography.

Enamel microabrasion: achieving aesthetic success to dental fluorosis in a single session – one-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To describe the enamel microabrasion technique used to treat the patient with white stains due dental fluorosis, highlighting the importance of complete anamnesis and clinical examination to achieve the clinical success.CASE DESCRIPTION: patient’s complains, aesthetic self-perception, age, general health, history of excessive intake of fluoride and time of teeth development were considered to the diagnosis and treatment plan. Also, dental trans illumination was used to evaluate the white spots diffusion and estimate the lesion’s length. An abrasive paste mixture of equal parts 37% phosphoric acid and pumice was applied with a wooden spatula in order to perform enamel microabrasion. After the last application, the teeth were polished with finishing discs and a neutral sodium fluoride gel was applied to enamel remineralization. Satisfactory results in the aesthetic improvement were possible with a minimally invasive and cost-effective technique. The dental trans illumination after treatment showed the disappearance of the enamel opacities, preserved on the one-year follow-up.CONCLUSION: Cosmetic dentistry has been increasingly practiced today. However, a correct aesthetic planning should be based on current restorative dentistry concept. For any type of procedure, the dentist should opt for sound tooth structure preservation. This technique might be an efficient alternative to restorative treatments and can be considered a successful procedure. In cases of esthetic alterations due fluorosis, non-invasive methods such enamel microabrasion should be considered before invasive restorative treatments.

Influence of Ultrapulsed CO2 Laser, before Application of Different Types of Fluoride, on the Increase of Microhardness of Enamel In Vitro.

Objective To evaluate the influence of ultrapulsed CO2 laser in combination with commercial fluoride products in order to verify the increase of microhardness of artificial enamel caries lesions. Materials and Methods Bovine enamel specimens were prepared, and artificial enamel caries lesions were created. Teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10): treated with laser (L), laser + neutral fluoride gel 2% (LNF), laser + acidulated phosphate fluoride gel 1.23% (LAFG), laser + acidulated fluoride mousse 1.23% (LAFM), and laser + fluoride varnish 5% (LFV). Microhardness was evaluated at baseline, after caries induction, after CO2 laser irradiation + fluoride treatment in the 1st week, and after fluoride treatment at 3rd and 5th week. Results There was a decrease in microhardness in all groups after artificial enamel caries lesion formation; no increase in microhardness was found in the first and third weeks in all groups (p > 0.05). In the fifth week, an increase in microhardness occurred in all groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion Although CO2 laser irradiation in combination with different commercial fluoride products was capable of increasing microhardness on enamel caries lesions in bovine tooth enamel it is necessary to confirm these results by testing the isolated effect of fluoride on enamel surface microhardness. Also, although microhardness was higher in the fluoride varnish group than in the other groups in the fifth week it is not possible to discard the best effect of fluoride varnish treatment on absence of artifacts that may occur with the other fluoride treatments. Clinical Relevance In order to prove that CO2 laser may contribute to an increase in microhardness when applied to enamel lesions in combination with different commercial fluoride products it is necessary to conduct additional studies. Also, higher microhardness of fluoride varnish group should be carefully considered.

Effects of Bleaching Agents, Neutral Fluoride Gels, and Surface Sealants on Enamel Surface Roughness

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the surface roughness of enamel after the application of different bleaching agents and to determine the effect of fluoride and bonding agent application on the roughness of bleached enamel. Materials and methods Forty-two dental slice polished enamel surfaces were randomly assigned to six groups. The surfaces of the slices were treated with 30% carbamide peroxide (CP) (groups I to III), or 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP) (groups IV to VI). Groups I and IV were only bleached. Topical fluoride was applied to the bleached surface of groups II and V. Groups III and VI were covered with a bonding agent. The surface roughness was analyzed with a profilometer. Data were subjected to analysis of one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests (p &gt; 0.05). Results There were no statistically significant differences between the surface roughness of the untreated control specimens and the specimens treated with the bleaching materials, fluoride gel, and dental bonding agent (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion Bleaching treatment with 38% HP and 30% CP does not alter enamel surface roughness. Clinical significance The application of topical neutral sodium fluoride agents and dental bonding agents does not have any influence on enamel surface roughness. How to cite this article Gümüştaş B, Gürbüz Ö, Efes BG. Effects of Bleaching Agents, Neutral Fluoride Gels, and Surface Sealants on Enamel Surface Roughness. J Oper Dent Endod 2017;2(2):74-78.

Influência da aplicação tópica de géis de flúor na rugosidade superficial de cimentos de ionômero

Avaliar a morfologia de superfície de quatro CIVs (cimentos de ionômero de vidro) quando submetidos à ação tópica do flúor fosfato acidulado a 1,23% e&#x0D; gel de fluoreto de sódio neutro a 2%. Foram confeccionados 10 espécimes de cada CIVs (Ketac Molar Easymix, Maxxion R, Vitro Molar e Vitremer). Um ensaio de rugosidade foi efetuado antes e após aplicação tópica de gel de flúor. Os dados obtidos foram analisados através do teste de Tukey e do teste T. Os&#x0D; valores de rugosidade apresentados pelos materiais, segui a ordem descrescente: Maxxion&gt;Ketac Molar Easy Mix&gt; Vitro Molar. A aplicação tópica de flúor acidulado apresentou alterações de superfície nos materiais avaliados.&#x0D; &#x0D; DOI: 10.18363/rbo.v72i1/2.594

Effect of fluoride on tooth erosion around orthodontic brackets

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride in prevention of tooth erosion around orthodontic brackets under erosive challenge. Edgewise brackets were bonded with Transbond™ XT composite on vestibular surface of 40 bovine incisors. The teeth were assigned to 4 groups (n=10): G1: Remineralizing saliva; G2: Erosive challenge; G3: Experimental group submitted to topical application of neutral fluoride gel (2% NaF) before erosive challenge; G4: Experimental group submitted to three daily applications of fluoride dentifrice (PFM 1500 ppmF) during erosive challenge. After 14 days of erosive challenge, direct visual and tactile examination were performed by two calibrated and trained examiners (Kappa = 0.867). The following scores were used: 0 = Intact enamel, 1 = Demineralized enamel without cavity, 2 = Demineralized enamel with cavity, 3 = Remineralized enamel without cavity, 4 = Remineralized enamel with cavity. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were applied to determine erosion levels, establishing a confidence interval of 95% (p<0.05). G2 and G3 presented 100% of score 2, with large cavities, presenting rough and opaque surface. G4 showed 50% of score 3 and 50% of score 4. Considering the studied conditions, it was found a significant difference between G2 and G4 and between G3 and G4 (p<0.01). By contrast to single application of neutral fluoride gel, the high frequency of use of fluoride at low concentration had a great influence during the dynamics of erosion.

Avaliação da Eficácia de Cremes Dentais Clareadores com Uso Associado ou Não de Escova Dental Especial

It was evaluated the bleaching effect of whitening toothpastes with use associated or not of special toothbrush. Sixty-four patients were randomly divided into groups according to the bleaching treatment used (G1A: neutral fluoride gel; G1B: nightguard vital bleaching / carbamide peroxide 10%; G2: Colgate ® Branqueadora , G3: Malvatricin Branqueadora; G4: manipulated toothpaste - Phormula Ativa). The experimental groups were divided into subgroups A: Use of conventional toothbrush Oral B Indicator ® plus; B: use of special toothbrush Oral B ® Advanced Artica. The analysis of the difference of color observed initially and after four weeks of treatment using the Mann-Whitney test didn´t show significant differences (p> 0.05) when compared experimental groups with the Negative Control Group, but showed difference when compared to the Positive Control Group, with better results for the nightguard vital bleaching. The comparison between the toothbrushes used didn´t reveal statistical differences. It was possible to conclude that the toothpastes evaluated were not effective in producing a significant whitening effect; the combination with special toothbrush didnt' exercise significant statistically influence on the whitening effect of any of the products used.

Effect of topical application of fluoride gel NaF 2% on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant parameters of saliva

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of topical fluoride gel NaF 2% application on antioxidant parameters of whole saliva from children. DesignThe saliva mechanically stimulated with parafilm was collected from 25 children (6–12 years) attending the Clinic of Paediatric Dentistry of Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, São Paulo, Brazil, before (control group) and immediately after application of neutral fluoride gel NaF 2% (fluoride-gel group), according to the Standards for Research Using Human Subjects, Resolution 196/96 of the USA National Health Council of 10/10/1996. Afterwards, pre-post ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), uric acid, reduced/oxidised glutathione content (GSH/GSSG) and total peroxidase activity (TPO) were evaluated in whole saliva of both groups. ResultsAll non-enzymatic antioxidant parameters were augmented by fluoride-gel NaF 2% application, whereas a notable reduction (31%) of peroxidase activity was concomitantly observed in the children's saliva (p≤0.05). Nevertheless, the reducing power of saliva was kept unaltered under these circumstances (p≤0.05). ConclusionsDespite the reduced activity of peroxidase (an important antimicrobial and antioxidant enzyme), the topical fluoride gel NaF 2% favourably stimulated the release of non-enzymatic antioxidant components of saliva, sustaining the reducing power of saliva and the natural defences of the oral cavity.

In vitro Influence of Topical Fluoride Application on the Mechanical Properties of an Orthodontic Resin under pH Cycling

Objective: To evaluate the shear bond strength and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) of an orthodontic resin after in vitro pH cycling and topical fluoride application. Methods: Edgewise brackets were bonded with TransbondTM XT resin on the buccal of 40 bovine incisors. The teeth were divided in 4 groups (n=10): G1: pre cycling group (immediate shearing); G2: pos cycling group (pH cycling in the absence of fluoride); G3: experimental group with single topical application of neutral fluoride gel (2% NaF) before pH cycling; G4: experimental group with three daily applications of fluoride dentifrice (MFP 1500 ppmF) during pH cycling. Shear bond strength and ARI were evaluated after 14 days of pH cycling (acid saliva, pH 4.5). Shear bond strength data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test while the Man-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis were used for analysis of ARI data using a 95% confidence interval (p 0.05) in the shear bond strength among the groups. For the ARI analysis, 100% of the specimens of G1, G2 and G4, and 60% of G3 were scored 1, while 40% of the specimens of G3 were scored 2. There was statistically significant difference (p=0.029) between G1 and G3; G2 and G3; G3 and G4. Conclusion: Topical fluoride application concomitant to pH cycling did not exert influence on the shear bond strength of TransbondTM XT resin, but the use of neutral fluoride gel indicated a reduction in the risks of tooth fracture on debonding of orthodontic brackets, according to the ARI characteristics.

The effect of home-use fluoride gels on glass-ionomer, compomer and composite resin restorations.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the resistance to dissolution by two home-use fluoride gels on the surface integrity of glass-ionomer, resin modified glass-ionomer, compomer and composite resin restorations. Class V cavities prepared in extracted teeth were restored with a glass-ionomer (Fuji II), a resin modified glass-ionomer (Vitremenr), two compomers (Dyract and F-2000) and a composite resin (Z-100). Groups of five specimens of each material were treated for 24 h with one of the following: (i). distilled water, (ii). neutral fluoride gel and (iii). acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel. Surface degradation of the restorations was studied using standard electron microscopy (SEM), rated according to specific criteria and statistically analysed by the Wilcoxon test (rank sums). Acidulated phosphate fluoride was found to have a significant effect on all examined materials, while minimal effects resulted from the neutral fluoride gel compared with the control group. The effect of home-use fluoride gels on glass-ionomer, compomer and composite resin restorations.

Effect of the application of fluoride on the superficial roughness of vitremer glass ionomer cement and microbial adhesion to this material

Glass ionomer cements are important options in restorative and preventive dentistry due to their adhesion to the tooth surface and to fluoride release, which can decrease the risk of recurrent caries. The topical use of acidulated and neutral fluoride gels has been frequent in dentistry. However, this procedure can adversely affect the surface of restorative materials, increasing their roughness and the retention of dental plaque. Thus, this study evaluated the period in which Vitremer glass ionomer cement maintains its antimicrobial activity over Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, as well as the effects of topical application of acidulated and neutral fluoride gels on these microbiological parameters and on the superficial characteristics of the restorative material. It was verified that the antimicrobial activity of Vitremer is very transient, decreasing to an undetectable level after four days, and the topical application of fluoride gel did not restore this activity. It was observed that S. mutans ATCC 25175 adheres to this restorative material, and the topical fluorides did not affect this event. The surface of Vitremer was not altered by the application of fluoride gels.

The relationships among fluoride, cariogenic oral flora, and salivary flow rate during radiation therapy

Changes in the quantity of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus species, and yeast Candida species were assessed in a cancer population undergoing head and neck radiation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a custom vinyl tray-applied fluoride gel to control cariogenic bacteria in a group experiencing hyposalivation because of radiation treatment. Twenty-two subjects participated in the study and served as their own controls. Whole resting and whole stimulated saliva were collected at weekly appointments beginning 1 week before and concluding 4 weeks after radiation therapy. Colony-forming units per mL of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species and semiquantitative counts of Candida species (0 = none; 1 = light; 2 = moderate; 3 = heavy) were determined from collected saliva. All patients were provided with custom vinyl vacuform mouthguards to be used daily with neutral fluoride gel (1.1% sodium fluoride). Whole stimulated and resting saliva productions decreased by 36.67% and 47.9%, respectively, by the end of 1 week of radiation therapy, and they remained low. No significant changes in cariogenic oral flora were seen during and early after radiation therapy, despite xerostomia. However, colonization by Candida albicans increased during radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancers. Findings from this study suggest that changes in cariogenic flora may be suppressed through the use of daily topical neutral sodium fluoride gels and that colonization by Candida albicans increase during radiation therapy.