Salivary Fluoride Research Articles

Effectiveness of 2% Black Tea (Camellia sinensis) Infusion in Increasing Salivary pH and Fluoride in Children Increasing Salivary pH and Fluoride in Children

Background: Black tea is the most commonly consumed tea in Indonesia. Black tea has antibacterial effects and it can inhibit the attachment of Streptococcus mutans to enamel. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 2% black tea infusion and 0.2% fluoride solution mouth rinses in increasing pH and salivary fluoride levels for one month in children aged 7-8 years. Methods: This study was experimental study with double-blind randomized controlled trial design. The subjects were 28 first grade students of a state elementary school derived through a simple random sampling technique. The salivary pH was measured with the help of a digital pH meter and the salivary fluoride level was measured using UV-VIS TECAN Infinite M200 Pro® Spectrophotometer. Results: The results of the Independent T-Test showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the group of students who washed their mouths using 2% black tea infusion and the students who used 0.2% fluoride solution mouthwash (p<0.05). Conclusions: Mouth rinsing with 2% black tea infusion had equal effectiveness with 0.2% fluoride solution in increasing pH and salivary fluoride levels.

Measuring fluoride in human saliva and water

Background and objective: Fluoride is used to prevent dental caries, and it has been one of the most effective and widespread agents. Fluoride level has been shown in saliva, plaque, and oral soft tissues after use of fluoridated toothpaste that persists at potentially active concentrations for hours. This study aimed to evaluate how fluoride in toothpaste intake can affect the salivary fluoride and test fluoride in tap water in the different places of Erbil city. Methods: Forty five volunteers were examined. In the morning after overnight fasting before brushing teeth, the saliva of the subjects (healthy non-smoker adults) was taken before brushing teeth, which was a baseline. After 10 and 20 minutes of washing mouth with water (after brushing), saliva was taken and then the cotton pad was held under the tongue for 5 min. Saliva samples were frozen at -20 Co for later analysis. Tap water samples in different places in Erbil city were analyzed. Results: Toothpaste significantly (P = 0.002) increased salivary fluoride after brushing teeth. The fluoride concentration of tap water in Erbil city was very low at the places that use groundwater. Conclusion: This research indicates that salivary fluoride significantly increases after brushing teeth. The fluoride concentration naturally occurring levels in the tap water in the places where the source is groundwater are not enough.

Salivary Fluoride Retention: A Comparative Analysis between Fluoride Containing Chewing Sticks and a Non Herbal Fluoridated Toothpaste

To determine and compare salivary fluoride retention after the use of different fluoride-containing chewing sticks and a non-herbal fluoridated toothpaste. This double-blind cross-over experimental study was undertaken among twenty randomly selected senior secondary students in Ibadan, Nigeria. Saliva samples were collected to establish baseline fluoride concentration before the use of chewing sticks and non-herbal fluoridated toothpaste. Four commonly used chewing sticks and one non-herbal fluoridated toothpaste were each used at two days interval, and saliva samples were collected at 0, 10, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after each use. These samples were stored and transported in Gio'Style coolers to the laboratory, where they were analyzed for fluoride concentration using a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 620 nm. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p < 0.05. At baseline mean (± SD) salivary fluoride concentration of participants was 25.95 (± 4.58) ppm. The mean (± SD) salivary fluoride concentration at 0 minutes was 228.0 (± 032.80) ppm, 427.65 (± 122.85) ppm, 413.45 (± 78.08) ppm, 329.05 (± 83.12) ppm and 323.80 (± 66.41) ppm corresponding to Alchornea laxiflora, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Anogeissus leocarpus, Masularia acuminate and non-herbal toothpaste respectively. At 60 minutes Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides had the highest mean (± SD) fluoride concentration of 44.75 (± 13.32) ppm. The differences in mean (± SD) salivary fluoride concentrations amongst these tooth cleaning aids at 60 minutes were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides had the highest mean (± SD) salivary fluoride retention followed by the non-herbal fluoridated toothpaste. The use of chewing sticks can be a cost-effective and efficient means of caries prevention if used properly at regular interval.

Fluoride Concentration in Saliva following Professional Topical Application of 2% Sodium Fluoride Solution.

Background:Topical fluoride application in moderate and high-risk individuals and in those living in low-fluoride communities has been a common practice by dental professionals.Objectives:The objective of this study was to assess fluoride concentration available in saliva after a professional 2% sodium fluoride solution application (9000 ppm), and the duration of its availability to have an evidence-based practice for application.Materials and Methods:Two percent sodium fluoride application was carried out in 45 participants residing in a boarding school. The participants were non tea drinkers and nonfluoride users. Water fluoride of the area ranged from 0.34 ppm to 0.38 ppm. Whole mixed saliva samples were collected at baseline and various time intervals postapplication of 2% sodium fluoride solution. Fluoride in saliva was estimated using the fluoride combination electrode (Orion model 94–09, 96–09) coupled to an ionanalyzer.Results:IBM SPSS statistics version 23.0 was used for the analysis. Normality of the data was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and box plot, and it was found to be nonnormal. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare all time intervals with baseline, and statistically significant differences were observed (P = 0.0001). Salivary fluoride according to this study showed a biphasic clearance pattern with a peak at 15 min and a rapid fall in 60 min followed by a slow, consistent decline over a 20-h period. The fluoride concentration in saliva remained elevated above baseline from 0.03 ppm to 0.076 ppm even 3 months after application.Conclusion:Findings of this study show that, in this population, the frequency of application should be between 2 and 3 months (four applications per year).

Release of Fluoride in Saliva the Use Chewing Gums with Different Fluoride Compounds NaMFP, SnF2 and Naf

The goal of search determine the effect of use commercially chewing gums on fluoride kinetics in saliva. Using of three commercially chewing gums with fluoride from local markets, contains 3.38 mg of fluoride as marketed sodium mono fluorophosphates (NaMFP), Stannous fluoride (SnF2) and sodium fluoride (NaF) which are the three most common sources of fluoride used in currently fluoride dentifrices. Fifteen 7–9 year-old volunteers were instructed to chew the fluoridated gums. After starting chewing saliva collected at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 15 minutes. The Salivary fluoride analyzed by using of fluoride-specific electrode (201Fluoride E. Hanna instruments) after acid hydrolysis. The fluoride amount in the saliva samples after the use of chewing gum which contains Sodium mono-fluorophosphates (NaMFP) and Stanous fluoride (SnF2), were 0.328 mg and 0.258 mg respectively which higher than after the use of chewing gum contains sodium fluoride (NaF) which was 0.041mg in all experimental periods. The high fluoride presence in saliva after the use of chewing gum of (NaMFP) and (SnF2), are significant to prevent dental caries and this should be evaluated in clinical researches.

Change in the Salivary Fluoride Concentration through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Fluoride application has an excellent effect for the prevention of dental caries, and 1.23 % acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel is the most commonly used fluoride formulation for professional fluoride application. There has been a problem, however: its excessive intake may cause toxicity in the human body. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount of residual fluoride present in the saliva in the mouth over time by measuring it with SUP19/SUPF NMR spectroscopy after the topical application of 1.23 % APF gel. After 30-minute application, a very small amount of fluoride (0.000482 %) remained in the saliva in the mouth, indicating that there was no effect on the human body. Therefore, this study demonstrated that clinical fluoride application using 1.23 % APF gel is safe.

A Journey towards Salivary Fluoride Level Detection by Suitable Low Cost Chemosensor: From Molecule to Product.

Fluoride is a ubiquitous anion and essential for us owing to its ability to protect human body from several health related issues. The safe limit of Fluoride ion for human body is 1.5 ppm, above it the ion becomes toxic and can cause dental-skeletal fluorosis or urolithiasis. Several countries are facing such health hazard owing to the naturally abundant excess fluoride in ground water. As a consequence, habitants of such fluoride enriched zone needs to monitor the concentration of fluoride in their body by periodic analysis. In this regard, development of a chemosensor which can detect fluoride from human body fluid at easy-instant-economic way is an obvious mandate. For the first time, our group has developed a sensor kit and sensor station device as a deliverable product for individual and batch scale detection of salivary fluoride level by colorimetric method. The sensor station is the first device made by interfacing chemical output with electronics and the encrypted signal in digital version could be used as a level of fluoride in saliva. Our journey towards the development of suitable chemosensor for recognition of fluoride from human body fluid is summarized in this account.

The effects of toothpaste amounts and post-brushing rinsing methods on salivary fluoride retention

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the salivary fluoride retention as fluoride concentration, amount of soluble fluoride, half-life (t1/2) and salivary flow rate of different amounts of toothpaste and rinsing procedures. Design/methodology/approach A randomized crossover study of 21 healthy volunteers was designed to compare pharmacokinetic parameters of 1 g (B1) and 0.3 g (B0.3) of toothpaste without rinsing and brushing with 1 g of toothpaste with expectoration followed by water rinsing (B1R). Unstimulated saliva was collected before brushing as a baseline and at 0, 5, 10, 30, 60 and 90 min after the completion of the tooth brushing procedure. Findings The salivary fluoride concentration and amount of soluble fluoride of the B1 group were significantly higher than the B0.3 and B1R groups. The B1 and B1R groups prolonged the remineralizing level up to 60 min while the B0.3 group retained their remineralizing levels for 30 min. The initial t1/2 (rapid phase) of B1 and B1R groups were significantly longer than the B0.3 group. The late t1/2 (slow phase) of the B0.3 group was significantly longer than the B1 group. This is called the two-compartment open pharmacokinetics model. There was no statistical difference of salivary flow rates between all groups. Originality/value Non-rinsing and the amount of fluoride toothpaste play an important role in raising salivary fluoride levels and prolonging the remineralizing level of the oral cavity.

Fluoride-Releasing Effect of a Modified Resin Denture Containing S-PRG Fillers on Salivary Fluoride Retention: A Randomized Clinical Study

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of a resin denture base containing 20wt% surface prereacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) fillers on saliva fluoride concentrations as a surrogate evaluation of caries control. The study was a double-blind randomized clinical trial with a total of 110 participants aged 35–60 years who wore a removable partial resin denture for 1.5 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive a partial resin denture fabricated either with or without 20wt% S-PRG fillers (n = 55 per group). After 14 days of wearing the dentures, 5,000 ppm fluoride gel was applied nightly on both sides of the denture before storing it in a denture box overnight every night for 1.5 years. The salivary fluoride concentration was measured at baseline, on days 1, 14, and 15, and at 3 months and 1.5 years of wearing the denture. A significant increase in salivary fluoride concentration in the S-PRG denture group was observed from baseline to day 1, followed by a significant decrease to an approximate baseline level. After recharge with 5,000 ppm fluoride gel, salivary fluoride increased markedly on day 15 and remained elevated at month 3 through to 1.5 years. The resin denture base containing 20wt% S-PRG fillers demonstrated an initial fluoride release that increased saliva fluoride concentrations, but the fluoride release from within the material was short lived. The long-term effect of sustained fluoride release from the denture when combined with a regular fluoride recharge regimen may be beneficial for caries prevention.

Assessment of prevalence of dental caries and the associated factors among patients attending dental clinic in Debre Tabor general hospital: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundDental caries is the most common dental health problem caused by the interaction of bacteria on tooth enamel. Risk factors for dental caries include salivary composition and inadequate fluoride. However, other factors, such as standard of living, behavior, hygiene, eating habits, social status and socio-demographic factors, also contribute to the evolution of caries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among patients attending the dental clinic in Debre Tabor General Hospital in North West Ethiopia.MethodAn institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 systematically selected patients attending Debre Tabor General Hospital dental clinic from May 8–20, 2017. The data were collected using pre-tested questionnaire and oral examination by a qualified dental professional. Basic hygienic procedures were observed during an oral examination. The teeth were examined for dental caries by the presence of decay, missing and filled teeth. The data were entered into Epi-Info version 3.5 and cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive summary of the data and logistic regression were used to identify possible predictors using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and P-value of 0.05.ResultsA total of 280 subjects participated in the study; among whom 129 (46.1%) were female and nearly two-thirds of the respondents 208 (74.3%) attended formal education. The study revealed k8that the overall prevalence of dental caries was 78.2%. Dental caries was lower among respondents who had good oral hygiene status (AOR = 0.05, 95% CI, 0.02, 0.81). Dental caries was higher among participants who earned less than 5000 Eth Birr per month (AOR = 8.43, 95% CI, 2.6, 27.2). Dental caries was lower among respondents who had good knowledge (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI, 0.03, 0.64).ConclusionsPrevalence of dental caries was high and found public health problem. Socioeconomic status, educational level, and poor oral hygiene practices were associated factors for dental caries. Health promotion about oral hygiene and integration of services are supremely important for the prevention of the problem of dental caries.

Is salivary fluoride a better noninvasive indicator of progressive periodontal disease than invasive serum fluoride – A Cross Sectional study

Periodontitis is seen as resulting from a complex interplay of bacterial infection and host response, modified by behavioral and systemic risk factors.There is high prevalence of endemic fluorosis among the patients in certain regions in India and scarcity of information on the effects of levels of fluoride in serum and saliva to the periodontal disease severity. Aim of the present study was to estimate the levels of fluoride in serum and saliva and in ground water of chronic periodontitis subjects in the endemic fluorosed area and to correlate the levels of fluoride in serum and saliva to the periodontal disease severity.140 subjects were divided into two groups. Group I (Test group) consisted of 100 dental subjects diagnosed with dental fluorosis and chronic periodontitis. Group II (Control group) consisted of 40 non-fluorosed subjects. Ion selective electrode method was used for assessingthe fluoride in serumand saliva. There was no significant correlation between salivary and serum fluoride levels and the periodontal disease severity. However the mean salivary fluoride levels were found to significantly influence the dental fluorosis severity (p&lt;0.005*).

Fluoride Levels in Unstimulated Whole Saliva following Clinical Application of Different 5% NaF Varnishes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride release from differently formulated 5% NaF varnishes into unstimulated whole saliva in vivo. The fluoride concentration in unstimulated whole saliva was determined after the application of 3 different 5% NaF varnishes (5% NaF, 5% NaF + tricalcium phosphate [TCP], and 5% NaF + amorphous calcium phosphate [ACP]) or a placebo. Fifteen subjects were recruited and enrolled following Institutional Review Board approval based upon the inclusion/exclusion criteria of this study. A cross-over study design was used for the application of either one of the 5% NaF varnishes or a placebo. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected at baseline and at 1, 4, 6, 26, and 50 h following application and analyzed for supernatant ionic fluoride and whole fluoride by microdiffusion. Linear mixed-effects models (5% significance level) were used to determine the effects of varnish and time on the salivary fluoride concentration. The highest amount of fluoride in saliva was found 1 h after application of the fluoride varnishes, with no significant differences among the treatment varnishes with respect to whole fluoride but with lower levels for 5% NaF + ACP in the saliva supernatant. Salivary fluoride levels at 4, 6, and 26 h decreased at each time point and were generally significantly higher for 5% NaF and 5% NaF + TCP. After 50 h, fluoride levels in saliva for all groups were at or below baseline levels. In conclusion, the formulation of other ingredients in fluoride varnishes can affect the fluoride concentration in saliva. The reasons for this phenomenon warrant further investigation since it might affect efficacy of the treatment. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01629290).

Change of salivary fluoride level with intake of fluoride releasing lozenges: A pilot study.

Long-term, low-level fluoride concentrations in saliva are highly effective in caries prevention and remineralization. The aim of the present two-phased study was to test whether fluoride-releasing lozenges compared to placebo significantly raise salivary fluoride levels above baseline achieved by 1100ppm fluoride toothpaste in a double-blind, crossover pilot study. In phase 1, a four-arm crossover basic study, four participants used one dissolvable lozenge with .25, 0.5, 1 or 1.5mg fluoride for 1hour. In phase 2, the three-arm crossover main study, 11 participants used three lozenges per day for 1hour for 1week, establishing long-term salivary fluoride levels dissolving 0 (control), 0.5 and 1.5mg fluoride lozenges. Saliva was collected at baseline; during lozenge use; 5, 15, 30, and 60minutes later; and early the next morning. Salivary fluoride levels were determined by laboratory diffusion analysis. In phase 1, 5minutes after using one lozenge, salivary fluoride levels were above baseline (0.03ppm), reaching 0.13±0.19ppm for the 0.25mg and 0.73±0.75ppm for the 1.5mg fluoride lozenge, dropping to baseline after 60minutes. In phase 2, after 1week use of 0.5 and 1.5mg lozenges, respectively, for the 0.5mg lozenge for 15minutes and the 1.5mg lozenge 30minutes after use, the salivary levels were significantly higher than baseline/control (0.02ppm). During 1-hour lozenge use, fluoride levels >0.1ppm were consistently achieved. Fluoride lozenges achieved elevated salivary fluoride levels during use, but only for short periods after use.

MI Varnish and MI Paste Plus in a caries prevention and remineralization study: a randomized controlled trial.

White spot lesions (WSLs) are a complication of orthodontic therapy. This study investigated the effect of MI (minimally invasive) Paste Plus (MIPP) and MI Varnish (MIV) on WSLs in orthodontic patients during a 12-month, randomized, single-blind, prospective, standard-of-care controlled clinical trial. Forty subjects, recruited from the UCSF School of Dentistry Orthodontics Clinic, were randomly assigned to the experimental (twice-daily 1100ppm fluoride toothpaste, daily MIPP, quarterly MIV application) or control group (twice-daily 1100ppm fluoride toothpaste, fluoride rinse recommendation). Facial surfaces of incisors, canines, and first bicuspids were evaluated at baseline, 3, 6, and 12months using the enamel decalcification index (EDI) and the international caries detection and assessment system (ICDAS). Findings from 37 subjects are reported. At 12months, teeth receiving experimental treatment were at lower but not significantly different odds of increased EDI scores (odds ratio, OR 0.63; intra-patient cluster-adjusted 95% CI 0.43, 1.18) and not associated with increased ICDAS scores (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.64, 1.54). There was no statistically significant difference in mean patient-level EDI sum (experimental group 40.2; control 41.3; t test p= 0.80), ICDAS score (experimental 22.3; control 22.6; Mann-Whitney U test p= 0.80), or percentage of scored surfaces with ICDAS > 0 (experimental 54.6%; control 55.2%; t test p= 0.88). Salivary fluoride levels were significantly higher at 12months for the experimental than for the control group (0.20 ± 0.26 versus 0.04 ± 0.04ppm, Mann-Whitney U test p< 0.01). Applying daily MIPP and quarterly MIV resulted in no statistically significant differences in EDI sum and ICDAS scores. Higher salivary fluoride levels in the experimental group suggest that MIPP and MIV effectively deliver fluoride when used clinically. Daily MIPP and quarterly MIV applications do not appear to reduce significantly WSLs incidence during fixed orthodontic treatment.

Effect of Fluoride Gel and Foam on Salivary Fluoride Concentration

Effect of Fluoride Gel and Foam on Salivary Fluoride Concentration

Fluoride in Dental Biofilm Varies across Intra-Oral Regions

Information on differences in biofilm fluoride concentration across intra-oral regions may help explain the distribution of caries within the dentition. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe the fluoride concentration in saliva and in biofilm fluid and biofilm solids across 6 intra-oral regions. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from 42 participants and biofilm harvested from the buccal sites in the 4 molar and 2 anterior regions. Samples were collected at least 1 h after use of fluoride dentifrice. No attempt was made to control the participants' food consumption or use of other topical agents. Centrifuged saliva, biofilm fluid, and biofilm solids were analysed for fluoride using a fluoride ion-selective electrode, adapted for microanalysis. Fluoride in biofilm varied across intra-oral regions. The mean biofilm fluid fluoride concentrations across the oral cavity ranged from 11.6 to 16.8 µ<smlcap>M</smlcap>, being statistically significantly higher in the upper anterior region than in any other region. In all regions the fluoride concentration in biofilm fluid was higher than in saliva. For biofilm solids the fluoride concentration was highest in the lower anterior region (2,461 μmol/kg) and lowest in the lower molar regions (388 and 406 μmol/kg, respectively). Within biofilm, the solids contained most of the fluoride (81 to >99%). The biofilm fluid fluoride concentration was significantly positively associated with salivary fluoride and only marginally associated with that of biofilm solids. In conclusion, this study has shown pronounced differences in fluoride distribution across intra-oral regions and compartments. This shows that the sampling site is a crucial factor for studies of biofilm fluoride.

Green Tea in the Prevention of Dental Caries-A Systematic Review

To analyze the available scientific evidence on the effectiveness of green tea and its products in the prevention of dental caries. A broad literature search was performed using COCHRANECENTRAL, MEDLINE, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, EBSCO, PROQUEST for online search and hand search was performed in the central library of the institute. Articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria with description of randomized clinical trials regarding green tea in the prevention of dental caries were included. Initial search resulted in 196 articles; Our final review included 5 studies. Of these 2 studies evaluated both streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus, 1 study evaluated streptococcus mutans separately, 1 study evaluated salivary fluoride concentration, 1 study evaluated caries increment of the green tea polyphenol. Among the five studies two studies showed a significant reduction in the levels of streptococcus mutans. One study showed significant reduction in the levels of lactobacillus. One study showed that there was significant increase in the fluoride level. One study showed that the green tea and its extracts has an inhibitory effect on dental caries. With the constraints of limited available literature green tea and its extracts had a inhibitory effect on dental caries. But still further studies are recommended.

Comparison of residual salivary fluoride retention using amine fluoride toothpastes in caries-free and caries-prone children

AimThis was to compare the salivary fluoride levels following tooth brushing with amine fluoride toothpastes containing three different concentrations of F (250 ppm F, 500 ppm F and 1250 ppm F) and to evaluate the effect of rinsing with water on the oral fluoride levels up to 90 min.MethodsA double blind randomised six-arm crossover study was conducted with 32 child participants. Patients were divided into two groups depending on their caries experience with caries-free group (n = 17, mean age = 72.9 months) and caries-prone group (n = 15, mean age = 69.6 months, mean dmfs = 12.3). Each participant brushed their teeth with a smear of dentifrice containing (250 ppm, 500 ppm and 1250 ppm F toothpastes) for 60 s. After spitting out the dentifrice/saliva slurry, participants either rinsed with water or did not rinse at all. Samples of whole mixed unstimulated saliva were collected at 0 (baseline), 1, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 mins post-brushing/rinsing.ResultsAfter completing the study on residual fluoride concentration it was found that caries was not a significant variable (p = 0.567) while every other variable was (all p values <0.001). Time, toothpaste F concentration and rinse had significant effects (p < 0.001). In general, higher residual salivary F concentrations were found with increased F concentration in toothpastes and when no rinsing was performed after brushing.ConclusionThe results of this study support the current recommendation of using toothpastes with >1000 ppm F concentration in children with an increased caries risk in addition to spitting excess toothpaste with no rinsing following brushing.

Effective Fluoride Mouthwash Delivery Methods as an Alternative to Rinsing.

Special-needs patients with high caries risk cannot benefit from the proven caries-reducing effect of fluoride mouthrinse because of poor rinsing compliance and a lack of home-use fluoride application recommendations. This study aimed to evaluate whether two modified delivery methods-spray or swab application-could raise the salivary fluoride to levels similar to that of rinsing. Five healthy men and 16 healthy women, ages 18-22 years, participated in this crossover study. The subjects performed a standardized brushing routine twice a day with 1,000-ppm fluoride dentifrice 1 week before and during the experimental period. The three fluoride mouthwash (0.05% NaF; 226-ppm fluoride) administration methods consisted of rinsing, spray, and cotton swab application. Each application was separated by at least 1 week. Unstimulated whole saliva was sampled for 2 minutes at baseline and at 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60, and 120 minutes after each fluoride mouthwash application. Salivary fluoride level (ppm) was measured by a blinded investigator using an ion-specific electrode (ORION EA940). The differences in salivary fluoride concentration for each application method were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA at a nominal significance level of .05. The newly designed fluoride mouthwash delivery methods yielded a similar fluoride level in whole saliva compared to that of rinsing at all time points (p > .05). The t half-life of fluoride concentration ranged from 1.62 minutes (SD = 0.53) in the spray group to 2.08 minutes (SD = 0.87) in the cotton swab group; the values were not significantly different. Our results indicate that the spray and cotton swab fluoride delivery methods were effective alternatives to conventional mouth rinsing. Caregivers of individuals with acute and chronic illness, including developmental disabilities affecting cognitive or physical abilities, may consider using these alternative fluoride delivery methods to help promote dental hygiene.

A 48-month randomized controlled trial of caries prevention effect of a one-time application of glass ionomer sealant versus resin sealant.

The aim of this study was to compare the caries prevention effectiveness, retention rates and the level of fluoride of saliva of a glassionomer sealant (GIS) with that of a resin-based sealant (RS). Eighty GIS and 80RS were placed on the first permanent molars in 40 children aged 7-10 years. Children were re-examined at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months after the procedure. Saliva samples were collected before the sealant was applied and again at each appointment, and fluoride levels were measured. After 48 months, occlusal caries were seen in 4 and 12 teeth in GIS and RS groups respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the fluoride levels of saliva between baseline and up to 12th month in GIS group. GISs presented effective prevention of caries development, even though the failure rate is higher when compared to the RSs. An increased salivary fluoride level due to GISs might be an additive effect on the prevention of dental caries.