The effect of fluoride toothpaste on root dentine demineralization progression: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Dental research
• Cariology
• Fluoride chemistry

Background:

• The anticaries effect of fluoride (F) toothpaste on enamel demineralization is well-documented.
• Limited research exists on fluoride's impact on dentine demineralization.
• High fluoride concentrations may be required for root dentine remineralization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an in situ pilot study evaluating the effect of 1100 µg F/g fluoride toothpaste on dentine demineralization.
• To assess if 1100 µg F/g fluoride concentration is sufficient to reduce dentine demineralization under cariogenic challenge.

Main Methods:

• A crossover, double-blind, 14-day study involving six volunteers.
• Volunteers used a palatal appliance with bovine root dentine slabs.
• Dentine slabs were exposed to 10% sucrose solution 8x/day and brushed with either non-F or 1100 µg F/g F toothpaste.
• Surface hardness loss (%SHL) was measured to assess demineralization.

Main Results:

• Fluoride toothpaste significantly reduced dentine demineralization (%SHL) compared to non-F toothpaste (42.0 ± 9.7% vs. 62.0 ± 6.4%, p < 0.0001).
• No significant effect of time on demineralization was observed.
• Dentine caries was decreased by fluoride toothpaste despite high cariogenic challenge.

Conclusions:

• Fluoride toothpaste containing 1100 µg F/g demonstrates an anticaries effect on dentine.
• This fluoride concentration can decrease dentine demineralization under significant cariogenic challenge.
• Further research may explore optimal fluoride concentrations for dentine protection.