Fluoride concentration from dental sealants: a randomized clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Cariology
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Dental sealants are crucial for preventing pit and fissure caries in children.
• Understanding the fluoride release dynamics of different sealant materials is essential for optimizing caries prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the fluoride concentration in interproximal fluid following the application of three different dental sealants in schoolchildren.
• To evaluate the sustained fluoride release over 21 days.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving 2,776 schoolchildren (6-7 years) was conducted.
• Three sealant groups were used: high-viscosity Glass-ionomer Cement (GIC), fluoride-releasing Resin-based (fluoride-RB), and non-fluoride Resin-based (RB).
• Interproximal fluid samples were collected at baseline, 2, 7, and 21 days post-application and analyzed for fluoride concentration using a fluoride ion-selective electrode.

Main Results:

• Fluoride concentration was significantly higher in the GIC and fluoride-RB groups compared to the RB group at 2 days post-application (p < .01).
• After 7 days, mean fluoride concentrations were 2.54 ppm (GIC), 0.85 ppm (fluoride-RB), and 0.53 ppm (RB).
• The GIC group maintained higher interproximal fluid fluoride concentrations through day 21.

Conclusions:

• High-viscosity GIC sealants demonstrate superior fluoride release into interproximal fluid compared to resin-based sealants, including those with added fluoride.
• GIC sealants provide a sustained increase in interproximal fluoride, potentially offering enhanced protection against dental caries.