title: Fluoride concentration in the approximal area after using toothpicks and other fluoride-containing products.
abstract: The aim of this work was to study the fluoride (F) concentration in the approximal area after using toothpicks and other F-containing products. The exposure time was standardised to 2 min. 24 subjects participated, divided into 4 groups, with 6 individuals per group. In 3 of the groups, the following 4 products were compared: (1) a toothpick impregnated in 4% NaF; (2) a dentifrice containing 0.32% NaF; (3) a mouthrinse solution containing 0.025% NaF; (4) a tablet containing 0.55 mg NaF. In the 4th group, 3 commercial F toothpicks and 2 F dental flosses were compared. In all 4 groups, the F concentration was determined up to 60 min at 4 approximal sites. On each sampling occasion, 3 triangle-shaped paper points were used, absorbing 3 x 1 microl. In general, the toothpick gave similar or somewhat higher F concentrations in the approximal area than the dentifrice, mouthrinse solution and tablet. Comparing the various commercial toothpicks and dental flosses, 2 of the toothpicks gave higher approximal F concentrations than the other 3 products. When comparing the series in which the very first sample was collected from 2-20 min after the F treatment, it was found that the sampling procedure itself reduced the subsequent approximal F concentration. The main conclusion from this study is that an F-impregnated toothpick is a promising vehicle for delivery of fluoride to the approximal area.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cariology, Faculty of Odontology, Göteborg University, Sweden. hossein.kashani@odontologi.gu.se
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; D019540:Area Under Curve; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013607:Tablets; D014070:Tooth / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D003802:Dentifrices; D009067:Mouthwashes; D013607:Tablets; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; D005459:Fluorides