Release of preventive agents from pacifiers in vitro. An introduction to a novel preventive measure

Clinical data show that the later primary teeth are colonized by mutans streptococci (MS), the less caries will develop, if at all. Since up to 90% of teething children develop a sucking habit, pacifiers were designed to release preventive agents into the mouth. Simultaneous use of sodium fluoride and xylitol increases the enamel fluoride content. Xylitol affects specifically growth and metabolism of mutans streptococci. The aim of this study was to determine the release of fluoride, xylitol and sorbitol from pacifiers in vitro. A disintegration apparatus was designed to test the dissolution of tablets containing NaF resp. 0.25 mg F, 160 mg xylitol and 150 mg sorbitol from the pacifiers. Six pacifiers were agitated simultaneously with a standardised pump movement, 30 strokes/min, in 15 ml normal saline at +37 degrees C for 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60 and 90 min. The released fluoride was determined in 1 ml samples of saline to which 1 ml Tisab was added using a combined F-ion electrode. Xylitol and sorbitol were analyzed by using an ion chromatograph with a pulsed-amperometric detector. A linear slow release of fluoride, xylitol and sorbitol from the pacifiers could be observed up to 90 min. After 2700 strokes the residual saline in the suction chambers (vol. approximately 0.4 ml) was equally analyzed, where all 3 ingredients could still be detected.