Fluoride absorption: a comparative study of 1 and 2% fluoride gels

Area of Science:

• Dental Research
• Pharmacokinetics
• Toxicology

Background:

• Topical fluoride gels are widely used for caries prevention.
• Understanding systemic absorption is crucial for safety assessments.
• Previous studies indicated varying absorption rates for different fluoride preparations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify systemic fluoride absorption from commercial 1% and 2% fluoride gels.
• To assess the impact of these gels on plasma fluoride levels and urinary fluoride excretion.
• To evaluate the effect of topical fluoride gel application on renal function, specifically creatinine clearance.

Main Methods:

• Two groups of 6 healthy volunteers participated.
• Plasma fluoride (F-) levels and urinary fluoride excretion were measured.
• Creatinine clearance was monitored after gel application.

Main Results:

• Systemic fluoride absorption from the tested gels appeared lower compared to previously reported data.
• No significant changes in plasma fluoride levels or urinary fluoride excretion were observed.
• Creatinine clearance remained unaffected in healthy subjects following a single application.

Conclusions:

• The studied topical fluoride gels exhibit potentially lower systemic absorption.
• Topical fluoride gel application does not appear to impair renal function in healthy individuals.
• Further research may be warranted to confirm these findings across different populations and formulations.