Method for enhancing the fluoride release of a glass-ionomer cement

The cariostatic action of the glass-ionomer cement has been attributed to its sustained release of fluoride. The fluoride in the set cement originates from the glass particles which are eroded, in part, during the setting reaction. In this study a water-activated glass-ionomer was mixed with sodium fluoride (NaF) solutions of different concentrations (0%, 2% and 4%). The different cements were used to prepare discs which were stored individually in demineralized water at 37 degrees C, the fluoride concentration of the storage solutions were measured, at intervals, until the specimens were 80 days old. The effect of the different mixing solutions on the working and setting times and compressive strength were also determined. It was found that the cement mixed with the 4% solution of NaF released significantly more fluoride than the water mixed control. The fluoride solution mixed materials had longer setting times than the control, but there was no significant difference in the compressive strengths. All the materials became progressively stronger on storage. Mixing the cement with a 4% solution of NaF increased the initial fluoride release of the glass-ionomer without seriously affecting other physical properties.