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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.
Background:
Brushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste without rinsing significantly increases salivary fluoride concentration.
Aim:
To compare the effects of rinsing versus non-rinsing after toothbrushing with 1500 ppm fluoride (ppmF) toothpaste on salivary fluoride concentration up to 90 min and fluoride intake in 6-year-old children.
Design:
A crossover clinical trial was conducted in 18 healthy 6-year-old children. Children brushed their teeth with 1500 ppmF toothpaste (0.6 g) with rinsing (WR) or without rinsing (WOR) in a three-day washout period. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and at 1, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 min after toothbrushing. Salivary fluoride concentration was measured using an ion-specific electrode. Fluoride intake was also determined.
Results:
The geometric mean salivary fluoride concentration was significantly higher in WOR than in WR over time (p = 0.023). Pairwise comparisons at specific time points showed a significant difference at 1-min post-brushing (p < 0.001). Fluoride intake was significantly greater in WOR than in WR (0.216 ± 0.046 vs. 0.176 ± 0.056 mgF; p = 0.012).
Conclusion:
Toothbrushing with 1500 ppmF toothpaste without rinsing produced higher fluoride intake and total fluoride exposure (AUC) due to a large initial peak; however, salivary fluoride concentrations were comparable between rinsing methods from 5 min onward and remained caries-preventive for up to 90 min.
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