Fluoride concentration in the approximal area after using toothpicks and other fluoride-containing products

The aim of this work was to study the fluoride (F) concentration in the approximal area after using toothpicks and other F-containing products. The exposure time was standardised to 2 min. 24 subjects participated, divided into 4 groups, with 6 individuals per group. In 3 of the groups, the following 4 products were compared: (1) a toothpick impregnated in 4% NaF; (2) a dentifrice containing 0.32% NaF; (3) a mouthrinse solution containing 0.025% NaF; (4) a tablet containing 0.55 mg NaF. In the 4th group, 3 commercial F toothpicks and 2 F dental flosses were compared. In all 4 groups, the F concentration was determined up to 60 min at 4 approximal sites. On each sampling occasion, 3 triangle-shaped paper points were used, absorbing 3 x 1 microl. In general, the toothpick gave similar or somewhat higher F concentrations in the approximal area than the dentifrice, mouthrinse solution and tablet. Comparing the various commercial toothpicks and dental flosses, 2 of the toothpicks gave higher approximal F concentrations than the other 3 products. When comparing the series in which the very first sample was collected from 2-20 min after the F treatment, it was found that the sampling procedure itself reduced the subsequent approximal F concentration. The main conclusion from this study is that an F-impregnated toothpick is a promising vehicle for delivery of fluoride to the approximal area.