title: Uptake and release of fluoride from birch and lime toothpicks.
abstract: Birch and lime toothpicks were impregnated in a 4% sodium fluoride (NaF) solution for different periods of time, viz. 30 s, 30 min and 3 d. After impregnation for 30 min, an average of 4.1 mg NaF per birch toothpick was taken up. The corresponding value for lime toothpicks was 5.1 mg. About 60% of the fluoride (F) was released within 1 h in vitro when the toothpicks were kept in water. In vivo, the concentration of F was determined in whole saliva from five adults during 30 min after using birch toothpicks immersed in a 4% NaF solution. After 2 min, the mean salivary F concentration was 2.7 mM. Impregnation of birch toothpicks in 1, 2 or 3% NaF resulted in lower F concentrations both in vitro and in vivo, with a clear dose-response effect. When comparing the use of a 4% NaF impregnated birch toothpick, a mouthrinse with 10 ml of 0.025% NaF, sucking on a F tablet containing 0.55 mg NaF, and toothbrushing with 1 g of an 0.068% F (as NaF) dentifrice--all procedures carried out in the mouth during 2 min--the highest concentration of F in saliva was obtained after using the fluoridated toothpick. Thus, NaF impregnated birch and lime toothpicks show a quick release of F in vitro as well as in vivo and may be suitable as home care products for prevention of dental caries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cariology, Faculty of Odontology, Göteborg University, Sweden.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kashani
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Birkhed
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Petersson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003802:Dentifrices; D006801:Humans; D009067:Mouthwashes; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D014934:Wood
chemical_list: D003802:Dentifrices; D009067:Mouthwashes; D012969:Sodium Fluoride