Buffering effect of a prophylactic gel on dental plaque

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new prophylactic gel on plaque pH and plaque fluoride concentration. Twelve participants with normal (n=6, >or=0.7 ml/min) and low (n=6, <0.7 ml/min) stimulated whole salivary secretion rate were included. After 3 days of plaque accumulation, at random the participants were (1) treated with Profylin fluoride gel with buffering components (active gel), (2) treated with Profylin fluoride gel without buffering components (placebo gel), (3) asked to rinse with water, and (4) given no treatment. All test series were followed by rinsing with a nutrition solution; after which registration of plaque pH was performed during 60 min. There were two drop outs with low salivary secretion rate in the water session. The overall least pronounced pH fall was found after the use of the prophylactic gel. Significant differences between the prophylactic gel and the placebo gel were found for the participants with normal secretion rate. Fluoride plaque concentrations evaluated in 12 individuals after (1) application of the active gel, (2) rinsing with 0.2% NaF, and (3) rinsing with water showed significantly higher values after rinsing with the NaF solution. It can be concluded that application of the active gel, particularly in subjects with normal salivary secretion rate, in general, buffered plaque pH to higher levels. Factors like concentration of buffering agent and solubility of the gel need to be further evaluated to improve the effect.