title: The effect of fluoride slow-releasing devices on fluoride in plaque biofilms and saliva: a randomised controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effect of the fluoride sustained slow-releasing device (FSSRD) on F levels in unstimulated saliva and undisturbed plaque biofilms over 7 days. The investigation also aimed at studying the effect of patient age on fluoride (F) concentrations in dental plaque biofilms and unstimulated saliva while using the FSSRD.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a randomised control double blind cross-over study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-five participants between the ages of 6-35 years took part in this study. The mean age of all the participants was 19.22 years with 24 participants aged between 6-16 years (mean age=11.8 years) and 41 participants aged between 16-35 years (mean age=23.57 years). Plaque biofilms were collected using a modification of the plaque generating device (MPGD) [Robinson et al., 1997]. During the whole study period, including a 7 day washout period before the first leg, all participants were asked to use only non-fluoridated toothpaste and to avoid where possible high fluoride containing foods or drinks. Whenever possible, the FSSRD/placebo device (PD) was attached to the second permanent molar, while the MPGD was attached to the first permanent molars in the same upper dental quadrant. At the end of each leg of the study whole, mixed unstimulated saliva was collected from all participants and analysed for F concentration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Statistical analysis using paired sample t-test was used to compare the results of F level between test and control groups, while, Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to test the relationship between patient's age and plaque weight against F concentration in plaque and saliva.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no statistically significant difference in F concentration in plaque and saliva between the test and control groups when analysed using paired sample t-test (p>0.05). There was no correlation between patient's age and F concentration in dental plaque and saliva (p>0.05), in both the test and control groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data showed no effect of the FSSRD in raising F concentrations in dental plaque and unstimulated whole saliva after 7 days. Such levels may require longer periods to become established.
authors.affiliation: Dr H. Abudiak, Dept Paediatric Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9LU, UK. haniabudiak@hotmail.com
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Abudiak
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Duggal
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Strafford
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Toumba
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D018441:Biofilms; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000737:chemistry*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005459:Fluorides