The effect of a low fluoride containing toothpaste on the development of dental caries and microbial composition...

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of daily use of a low fluoride containing toothpaste (250 ppm F) on the uptake of fluoride and development of enamel lesions as well as the prevalence of lactobacilli and mutans streptococci in dental plaque compared to the use of placebo toothpaste. 16 children were selected with homologous premolar teeth. The teeth were cemented with orthodontic bands ad modum Ogaard for plaque accumulation and enamel lesion development. The plaque accumulated during 4 weeks was collected and analysed for lactobacilli and mutans streptococci. The teeth were further analysed by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), determining the concentration profiles of fluoride and other elements in the outermost enamel and in the lesion. The results show that although significant amounts of fluoride were taken up in the surface enamel from the fluoride toothpaste, the extent of the lesions was not influenced compared to teeth brushed with a non F-toothpaste. Neither were microbiological differences in the dental plaque found between the groups. An interesting observation was that early demineralization of enamel took place without detectable levels of mutans streptococci in the overlaying dental plaque. The conclusion is that fluoride taken up in enamel from F-toothpaste has no significant influence on enamel lesion development if a cariogenic dental plaque with high levels of acid producing microorganisms is continuously attached to the enamel surface.