Comparison of salivary fluoride levels following use of dentifrices containing different concentrations of fluoride

Abstract

Many industrialized countries have reported a decline in caries prevalence over the past few decades. These reductions have been related to the regular use of fluoride dentifrices. Fluoride dentifrices are the most cost-effective and efficient means of caries prevention. However, there have been concerns regarding the risk of fluorosis in children due to the ingestion of dentifrices. This has led to the use of dentifrices with low concentration of fluoride. Salivary fluoride levels after tooth-brushing have been shown to be related to the anticaries efficacy of fluoride dentifrices. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of the concentration of fluoride in the dentifrice, on the salivary fluoride level in children. Twenty children in the age group of five to six years were randomly selected and divided into two groups using, either 500ppm or 1000ppm fluoride dentifrice (sodium monofluorophosphate). Salivary fluoride levels at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, minutes after brushing were estimated. The data collected was statistically evaluated using the unpaired t-test. The results showed that salivary fluoride levels following use of 500ppm fluoride dentifrice were significantly lower than 1000ppm fluoride dentifrice. The low salivary fluoride levels may thereby reduce the anticaries efficacy. Hence, the pros and cons of recommending a low fluoride concentration dentifrice must be judiciously considered.

Salivary fluoride levels after toothbrushing with dentifrices containing different concentrations of fluoride

“…The result is similar to those reported by Nagpal and Damle,[3] Duckworth and Morgan,[9] and DenBesten and Ko[10] wherein the difference between the salivary fluoride concentrations after 15 min and 30 min in both groups was found to be statistically significant.…”

“…Group A and Group B using dentifrices containing 458 ppm and 1000 ppm, respectively, with equal gender distribution. On the contrary, the study conducted by Nagpal and Damle[3] consisted of 20 students assigned into two groups, i.e. Group A and Group B, with equal gender distribution and the same sample size was shown in the study of Ananda et al .…”

“…Therefore, the effectiveness of fluoride oral hygiene products depends upon the fluoride ion concentration. [3] Salivary fluoride kinetics depends upon different factors: Flow rates, age, stimulation effects, properties of fluoride-containing products, volume and application time of these products, vehicle of fluoride, and individual characteristics of saliva. The interaction between these factors affects the process of fluoride clearance from the oral cavity.…”