Fluoride concentrations in whole saliva following use of fluoride tablets and a rinse

This clinical investigation is comprised of two studies. The first monitored the oral clearance of fluoride following the use of an oral rinse and two types of tablets: one that was chewed, swished, and swallowed, and another that was allowed to dissolve undisturbed at a specific site in the oral vestibule. Fluoride from the rinse and tablets exhibited similar rapid clearance patterns with a mean concentration of 1.2 ppm or less within 1 hr and returned to baseline concentrations within 24 hr. Data from the second study indicated fluoride was distributed unevenly to various areas of the mouth from the slowly dissolving undisturbed tablet. Information concerning oral clearance of fluoride may be used to rationalize various treatment regimens.