title: Anticariogenic effect of fluoride-releasing elastomers in orthodontic patients.
abstract: This in vivo experimental study evaluated the efficacy of fluoride-releasing elastomers in the control of Streptococcus mutans levels in the oral cavity. Forty orthodontic patients were recruited and divided into two groups of 20. Fluoride-releasing elastomeric ligature ties (Fluor-I-Ties, Ortho Arch Co. Inc., USA) were used in the experimental group, and conventional elastomeric ligature ties (D. Morelli, Brazil), in the control group. Two initial samples of saliva were collected at a 14-day interval to determine the number of colony forming units (CFU) of Streptococcus mutans. Immediately after collecting the second sample, fluoride-releasing elastomeric ligature ties were placed in the patients of the experimental group, and conventional ligature ties, in the patients of the control group. Seven, 14 and 28 days after placement of the elastomeric ligature ties, saliva and plaque surrounding the orthodontic appliance were collected for microbiologic analysis. There were no significant differences in the number of Streptococcus mutans CFUs in saliva or plaque in the area surrounding the fluoride-releasing or conventional elastomeric ligature ties. Thus, fluoride-releasing elastomeric ligature ties should not be indicated to reduce the incidence of enamel decalcification in orthodontic patients. Since there was no significant reduction in S. mutans in saliva or plaque, other means of prevention against enamel decalcification should be indicated for these patients.
authors: School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Karina Katsue
authors: KK
authors: Miura
authors: Izabel Yoko
authors: IY
authors: Ito
authors: Carla
authors: C
authors: Enoki
authors: Ana Maria
authors: AM
authors: Elias
authors: Mírian Aiko Nakane
authors: MA
authors: Matsumoto
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002648:Child; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003733:Dental Caries Susceptibility; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects; D020724:Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000382:microbiology*; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D020724:Elastomers; D005460:Fluorides, Topical