In vitro comparison of the cariostatic effect between topical application of fluoride gels and fluoride toothpaste

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of topical fluoride products [acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) or neutral gel (NF) x fluoride toothpaste (MFP)], in respect to fluoride uptake and anticariogenic action. One hundred and twenty five blocks of human teeth, sorted in 5 groups according to the treatment, were submitted to pH cycling for ten days. The parameters analyzed were: fluoride uptake before and after pH cycling and surface (SMH) and cross-sectional (CSMH) microhardness of the enamel blocks. The results of fluoride concentration in enamel after the pH cycling showed an enhancement of fluoride uptake for all groups compared to sound control. No significant differences between APF and MFP were observed for surface microhardness, percentage change of surface microhardness and mineral loss. The volume percent mineral obtained from cross-sectional microhardness demonstrated that APF has a different lesion progression rate regarding subsurface carious lesion. The results suggest that professionally applied fluoride gel or frequent fluoride application in low concentration is a positive preventive measure for the control of dental caries.

Effect of different frequencies of fluoride dentifrice and mouthrinse administration: an in situ study

“…Regular use of fluoride dentifrice is considered to be a beneficial preventive measure, independent of caries experience or oral health care. 1 The greatest advantage of fluoride dentifrices when compared to alternative forms of topical application is the regular delivery of fluoride. 2 The conventional toothbrushing frequency with fluoride dentifrice recommended to individuals is twice a day.…”

Fluoride retention in saliva and in dental biofilm after different home-use fluoride treatments

“…3 However, for patients with active caries, a greater frequency of topical fluoride administration is needed. 4 Mouthrinsing is a simple method of self-application of fluoride, 5 usually recommended for patients with active caries in addition to the normal use of a fluoride dentifrice.…”

Efficacy of various topical agents to prevent enamel demineralization

“…14 Fujimaru et al 2 and White et al, 17 compared contact microradiography (CMR), which is the gold standard to measure mineral content of dental tissues, with microhardness testing and found the result from both methods showed insignifi cant differences and strong correlation (p < 0.01, r 2 = 0.94) thus enamel microhardness testing can be used as a simpler alternative to evaluate enamel remineralization and demineralization process. 16 It is more valuable to a clinician to know enamel surface microhardness than to know its mineral content.…”

“…[18][19][20] The in vitro pH cycling model can be varied in the time intervals of the demineralization and remineralization phase and the number of cycles. [16][17][18] In this research, 12 cycles were done with each cycle consisting of 6 hours demieralization followed by 18 hours remeralization. This model was showned as the best model to simulate the mineral loss that occurs in vivo around orthodontic brackets.…”