Effect of fluoride dentifrices on salivary fluoride levels in children

Fluoride dentifrices are well accepted for their caries preventive effects. The fluoride concentration in the oral fluids after tooth brushing with fluoride dentifrices may have an important relationship to the caries reducing capacity. The present study was aimed to clinically evaluate the salivary fluoride retention of dentifrices containing low fluoride concentration in 50 children, aged 7-9 years before, during and after the use of fluoride toothpaste. Estimation of fluoride in saliva was done using a Orion microprocessor ion analyser with a fluoride specific ion electrode. The results of the present study suggest that there is considerable salivary fluoride retention after brushing with fluoride dentifrices. The retention of fluoride in the saliva at a higher level even with the low fluoride concentration, proves the similar cariostatic effect as of higher concentration.