Influence of fluoride in saliva during the early cariogenic changes in the enamel of boys and girls.
In boys and girls cariogenic changes in the dental enamel in relation to fluoride (F-) concentrations in stimulated and unstimulated saliva were studied in a six-month period. Also the use of various types of applications of F- was assessed. No difference in the use of F- between boys and girls before and after the interval was observed. Also no clear differences were found between boys and girls in the levels of F- in both types of saliva, determined at the end of the six-month period. The most important finding was that for all children, a significantly positive relationship was found between the disappearance of white spots turning into sound enamel (regression) and the F-concentration in unstimulated saliva. In addition, girls who developed new white spots had higher levels of F-, but those who developed new cavities had lower F- levels in both types of saliva. Apparently F- can prevent dental caries by acting very early on remineralization and demineralization processes in enamel surfaces.
Wöltgens
J H
JH
Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, (ACTA), Vrije Universiteit, The Netherlands.
Etty
E J
EJ
Gruythuysen
R J
RJ
Geraets
W G
WG
D000293:Adolescent; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015588:Observer Variation; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D012737:Sex Factors; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005459:Fluorides