Effect of Continuous Fluoride Gel Use on Plaque Fluoride Retention and Microbial Activity

Abstract

Twelve consecutive wk of daily five-minute topical applications of 1% NaF gel by non-cancer control subjects did not significantly affect plaque concentrations of Streptococcus mutans or Lactobacillus spp. Plaque F- levels increased 150% (P less than .001), while production of acetate and lactate decreased 40% (P less than .007) and 66% (P less than .001), respectively. Long-term (12 wk to more than five yr) fluoride gel use by post-irradiation xerostomic cancer patients was associated with increases in plaque F- and decreases in acidogenesis similar to those observed in the control subjects. Plaque concentrations of cariogenic organisms increased during the first yr of radiation-induced xerostomia and fluoride gel use, before starting to decline. Although sustained fluoride treatment increased (P less than .001) the ratio of fluoride-resistant to fluoride-sensitive strains, the number of patients harboring detectable S. mutans was diminished (P less than .001).

Effect of Amine Fluoride/Stannous Fluoride-Containing Toothpaste and Mouthrinsings on Dental Plaque, Gingivitis, Plaque and Enamel F^–– Accumulation

“…Previous studies indicate that a single use of NaF gel [Brown and Dreizen, 1981] or mouthrinse with amine fluoride solution [Flessa and Gülzow, 1970] considerably increases the fluoride content of the plaque, but after 0.25-4 h the plaque fluoride con centration returns to the level before treatment. On the other hand, regular fluoride intake in any formdrinking water, fluoridated salt, gel, mouthwashwill bring about lasting fluorine retention in the plaque that can be registered already after 2 weeks [Dawes et al, 1965;Geddes and McNee, 1982;Brown et al, 1983;Schamschula et al, 1982].…”

Antimicrobial Activity of Fluoride and Its in vivo Importance: Identification of Research Questions

“…Antibacterial effect of agents preadsorbed to hydroxyapatite beads against a forming biofilm of S. sobrinus 6715 [Shani et al, 2000]. [Woolley and Rickles, 1971;Brown et al, 1983], but these applications are not suitable or recommended for the normal oral care routine. When fluoride was applied concomitantly with the sucrose challenge 2.5-10 ppm fluoride was sufficient to reduce the acid production [Neff, 1967;Jenkins et al, 1969;Eisenberg et al, 1985;Bibby and Fu, 1986].…”

Effect of Four Dental Varnishes on the Colonization of Cariogenic Bacteria on Exposed Sound Root Surfaces

“…Although the in vivo levels of fluoride in dental plaque from naturally occurring fluoride are not sufficient to inhibit growth or to affect the composition of dental plaque [Bowden et al, 1982], the high levels of fluoride that are attained by topical application may have effects on the microflora of dental plaque [Brown et al, 1983]. In spite of the observation that S. mutans is more sensitive to the inhibition of fluoride than Lactobacillus casei and some species of Actinomyces, we were unable to demonstrate a significant reduction in the colonization of mutans streptococci by the fluoride varnishes.…”