Total and Free Fluoride in Toothpastes from Some Non-Established Market Economy Countries

Vol. 39, No. 3, 2005

Free Abstract Article (References) Article (PDF 173 KB)

Original Paper

Total and Free Fluoride in Toothpastes from Some Non-Established Market Economy Countries
C. van Loveren^a, W.R. Moorer^a, M.J. Buijs^a, W.H. van Palenstein Helderman^b

^aDepartment of Cariology, Endodontology, Pedodontology of the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, and
^bWHO Collaborating Centre for Oral Health Care Planning and Future Scenarios, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Address of Corresponding Author

Caries Res 2005;39:224-230 (DOI: 10.1159/000084802)

Key Words

Fluoride
Non-established market economy countries
Toothpaste

Abstract

In 101 fluoride toothpastes, bought in local shops in Burkina Faso (n = 3), China (n = 5), Myanmar (n = 22), Nepal (n = 19), Philippines (n = 13), Syria (n = 22), Togo (n = 7) and Vietnam (n = 10), the total and free ionisable fluoride concentrations were established. The total fluoride concentration of the toothpastes was determined by gas liquid chromatography. The amount of soluble fluoride was measured after dilution in artificial saliva and treatment of the supernatants with acidic phosphatase. The free fluoride concentration in this mixture was measured with a fluoride electrode. Twenty-five percent of all toothpastes contained less than 738 ppm total fluoride, and another 25% contained between 738 and 977 ppm fluoride. Regarding free ionisable fluoride the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile contained 275, 780 and 990 ppm fluoride, respectively. Of the 61 toothpastes with declared fluoride concentration, 75% contained a total F concentration of 89% of the declared concentration. In 25% of these toothpastes the free ionisable fluoride was 55% of the declared fluoride, and in another 25% of the pastes the free ionisable fluoride concentration was 89% of the declared fluoride. In conclusion, deficiencies were found regarding the total as well as the free ionisable fluoride concentration of toothpastes bought in non-established market economy countries. Unclear labelling concerning the type and concentration of fluoride was often encountered. A need for quality control of fluoride toothpastes is recommended.

Author Contacts

Prof. Dr. W.H. van Palenstein Helderman
WHO Collaborating Centre
Dentistry 117, Postbus 9101
NL-6500 HB Nijmegen (The Netherlands)
Tel. +31 24 3616410, Fax +31 24 3540265, E-Mail w.vanpalenstein@dent.umcn.nl

Article Information

Received: December 22, 2003
Accepted after revision: July 15, 2004
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 30

Medline Abstract (ID 15914985)

Download Citation

For non-native English speakers and international authors who would like assistance with their writing before submission, we suggest American Journal Experts for their scientific editing service.