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Salivary Fluoride Concentrations and Fluoride Intake After Toothbrushing With and Without Rinsing Using Sodium
Thanya Sitthisettapong1, Nitiporn Thaisiam1, Thamonwan Phooamornrat1
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Thailand.
International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|May 9, 2026
Summary
Not rinsing after brushing with fluoride toothpaste increases fluoride intake and salivary fluoride levels in children. This method maintains caries-preventive benefits for up to 90 minutes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
- Fluoride Research
Background:
- Brushing with fluoride toothpaste significantly elevates salivary fluoride concentrations.
- The impact of rinsing habits on fluoride retention and exposure in children requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of rinsing versus non-rinsing after toothbrushing with 1500 ppm fluoride (ppmF) toothpaste.
- To assess salivary fluoride concentration up to 90 minutes and fluoride intake in 6-year-old children.
Main Methods:
- A crossover clinical trial involving 18 healthy 6-year-old children.
- Children brushed with 1500 ppmF toothpaste, either with rinsing (WR) or without rinsing (WOR), with a three-day washout period.
- Unstimulated saliva was collected at intervals up to 90 minutes post-brushing, and salivary fluoride concentration and intake were measured.
Main Results:
- Salivary fluoride concentration was significantly higher in the non-rinsing group (WOR) compared to the rinsing group (WR) over time.
- A significant difference was observed at 1-minute post-brushing, with higher concentrations in WOR.
- Fluoride intake was significantly greater in the WOR group (0.216 ± 0.046 mgF) than in the WR group (0.176 ± 0.056 mgF).
Conclusions:
- Toothbrushing without rinsing with 1500 ppmF toothpaste resulted in higher fluoride intake and total fluoride exposure due to a larger initial peak.
- Salivary fluoride concentrations were comparable between rinsing and non-rinsing methods from 5 minutes onward.
- Both methods maintained caries-preventive fluoride levels for up to 90 minutes post-brushing.
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