title: In vitro and in vivo studies of an NaF impregnated toothpick.
abstract: Fluoridated toothpicks (John O. Butler Co.), containing an average of 0.80 mg F as NaF, demonstrated a quick F release in vitro after 1 min immersion in distilled water (0.13 mg; 16%). Continued F release was found after 5 (0.22 mg; 28%) and 60 min (0.35 mg; 44%) and 24 hr (0.55 mg; 69%). In addition, F concentrations were measured in whole saliva of 10 adults before and after 1 min use of an F toothpick and after sucking on an 0.25 mg F tablet (Fludent). Baseline F concentrations of about 1 microM/L increased to 35 microM/L after using the toothpick. In comparison, the F tablet gave a mean salivary F concentration of 71 microM/L. The F levels in saliva after 1 hr were for the F toothpick 3 microM/L and for the F tablet 8 microM/L. Thus, F impregnated toothpick seems to be an interesting vehicle for F release in the oral cavity and merits further studies from a cariostatic point of view.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Medical and Dental Health Center, Halmstad, Sweden.
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Petersson
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kashani
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Birkhed
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D012969:Sodium Fluoride