Salivary fluoride concentration in adults after different fluoride procedures

Today, several alternatives for fluoride therapy are available. To give advice on the choice of method, the dentist should have information on how effective different fluoride treatments are in increasing salivary fluoride concentration. The aim of the present study was to measure the fluoride concentration of saliva after the use of four different fluoride methods commonly used in the Nordic countries: F mouthrinse (0.023% F), F toothpaste (1.1% F). F lozenge (0.25 mg F), and F chewing gum (0.25 mg F). In addition, a new method using toothpaste water mixture as a mouthrinse was included in the study. Fourteen adult volunteers used each of the five methods on separate days. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected at base line and 0, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 min after the fluoride procedure. Fluoride was separated by the microdiffusion method and analyzed using a fluoride-specific electrode. Fluoride mouthrinse and fluoride toothpaste increased the fluoride concentration of saliva significantly more than fluoride lozenge and fluoride chewing gum. For both of the latter, salivary fluoride concentration was still increased after 1 h. Toothpaste-water rinse was more effective than brushing with toothpaste. Rinsing with toothpaste-water mixture appears a good alternative for adults who need extra fluoride therapy but are not motivated enough to brush their teeth several times a day.