Original Paper

Approximal Fluoride Concentration Using Different Fluoridated Products Alone or in Combination
B. Särner^a, D. Birkhed^a, P. Lingström<sup>a, b

a</sup>Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, and
^bDepartment of Health Sciences, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden

Address of Corresponding Author

Caries Res 2008;42:73-78 (DOI: 10.1159/000112817)

  Key Words

• Dental flosses
• Fluoride
• Fluoride gel
• Fluoride mouthrinse
• Interproximal area
• Toothpaste
• Toothpicks

  Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to measure the approximal fluoride (F) concentration after using different F-containing products, either alone or in combination. Ten subjects participated on a total of 17 occasions, which were randomized, distributed and divided into two trials (called trial I and trial II). The F concentration was studied after treatment with toothpicks, dental flosses, an interdental brush dipped in 0.2 or 0.32% F gels, brushing with toothpaste containing 0.32% F and a mouthrinse with 0.2% NaF solution. The results of trial I revealed that the rinsing solution resulted in the highest approximal F values, followed by toothpicks and brushing. When brushing was combined with either flossing or toothpick, the sequence order of the two methods had less influence. However, when combined with rinsing it appeared to be better to use the floss or the toothpicks first, prior to the mouthrinse. In trial II, treatment with the gels alone, and in combination with brushing, resulted in higher approximal F concentrations compared with brushing alone. The data indicate that the order of usage when combining products may be of importance when it comes to obtaining high F levels at the approximal sites and that an interdental brush with F gel after toothbrushing may be a suitable method, called 'Inter Dental Brush Gel Method', to produce elevated F concentrations at approximal sites.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Barbro Särner
Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology
Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, PO Box 450
SE-405 30 Göteborg (Sweden)
Tel. +46 31 7862 932, Fax +46 31 7863 220, E-Mail barbro.sarner@odontologi.gu.se

  Article Information

Received: March 2, 2007
Accepted after revision: November 9, 2007
Published online: December 21, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 16