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Plaque fluoride concentrations are dependent on plaque calcium concentrations
Gary M Whitford1, John L Wasdin, Tara E Schafer
1Department of Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Ga 30912-1129, USA. gwitfor@mail.mcg.edu
Caries Research
|September 10, 2002
Summary
Fluoridated toothpaste does not significantly increase plaque fluoride levels in individuals drinking fluoridated water. Plaque fluoride concentration is primarily linked to plaque calcium, explaining similar cavity prevention effects from both toothpaste and water.
Area of Science:
- Dental Research
- Cariology
- Public Health Dentistry
Background:
- Fluoride in dentifrices and drinking water shows similar cavity prevention despite concentration differences.
- The relationship between plaque fluoride and its sources requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if dental plaque fluoride concentration is more influenced by dentifrice fluoride or by plaque calcium and magnesium concentrations.
- To understand the cariostatic mechanisms of fluoride.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, crossover study involving 13 adults using fluoridated or placebo toothpaste.
- Collection of whole saliva and plaque samples 1.0 hour and 12 hours post-brushing.
- Analysis of fluoride, calcium, and magnesium concentrations in plaque and saliva.
Main Results:
- Salivary fluoride was higher after using fluoridated toothpaste.
- Plaque fluoride was significantly higher 1.0 hour after using fluoridated toothpaste, but not at 12 hours.
- Plaque fluoride showed a strong direct correlation with plaque calcium (p=0.0001) but a weak, inconsistent correlation with plaque magnesium.
Conclusions:
- For individuals consuming fluoridated water, fluoridated dentifrices do not significantly elevate plaque fluoride levels for most of the day.
- Plaque fluoride concentration is mainly determined by plaque calcium levels.
- This explains the comparable cariostatic effects of fluoridated dentifrices and fluoridated drinking water.