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[Fluoride gels--local application with a tray or a toothbrush?]
T Imfeld1, B Sener, G Menghini
1Abteilung für Präventivzahnmedizin, Universität Zürich.
Schweizer Monatsschrift Fur Zahnmedizin = Revue Mensuelle Suisse D'Odonto-Stomatologie = Rivista Mensile Svizzera Di Odontologia E Stomatologia
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Applying fluoride gel with a toothbrush enhances enamel acid resistance and surface fluoride concentration compared to traditional mouth-tray application. This method offers a potentially more effective approach to topical fluoride treatment for dental health.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Cariology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Fluoride gels have been a staple in dental caries prevention since the 1960s.
- Conventional application methods typically involve mouth-trays.
- Toothbrush application presents an alternative delivery method for topical fluoride.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of fluoride gel application via toothbrush versus mouth-tray.
- To evaluate differences in surface enamel fluoride concentration and acid resistance.
- To assess the in vitro effectiveness of two distinct topical fluoride gel application techniques.
Main Methods:
- Two in vitro experiments utilized bovine molar crowns.
- Samples were treated with fluoride gel applied via mouth-tray or toothbrush, alongside water controls.
- Surface fluoride concentration and acid resistance were measured using an acid etch technique.
Main Results:
- Toothbrush application of fluoride gel resulted in superior enamel acid resistance compared to tray application.
- Higher fluoride concentrations were observed in the outer 20-25 microns of enamel following toothbrush application.
- In vitro analysis confirmed enhanced enamel protection with the toothbrush method.
Conclusions:
- Fluoride gel applied via toothbrush demonstrates superior efficacy in increasing enamel acid resistance.
- Toothbrush application leads to greater fluoride incorporation into the superficial enamel layer.
- This study suggests toothbrush application is a more effective method for topical fluoride delivery than mouth-trays.