Studies on fluoridated toothpicks

Area of Science:

• Dental research
• Caries prevention
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Approximal areas are prone to dental caries.
• Effective delivery of therapeutic agents to approximal sites remains a challenge.
• Fluoride is a key agent in preventing and reversing early enamel demineralization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate wooden toothpicks as a vehicle for fluoride delivery to approximal tooth surfaces.
• To compare the efficacy of fluoride-releasing toothpicks with other common fluoride delivery methods.
• To assess the impact of impregnated toothpicks on cariogenic bacteria and plaque pH.

Main Methods:

• In vivo and in situ studies utilizing wooden toothpicks impregnated with sodium fluoride (NaF), stannous fluoride (SnF2), or chlorhexidine.
• Measurement of fluoride release and concentration in approximal areas.
• Assessment of mutans streptococci proportions and plaque pH.
• Transversal microradiography to evaluate de- and remineralization of enamel and dentine.
• Secondary ion mass spectrometry to quantify fluoride content on dentine surfaces.

Main Results:

• Fluoride release from NaF-impregnated toothpicks was estimated at 0.15 mg after 2 minutes, achieving approximal concentrations around 11 mM/l.
• Fluoridated toothpicks showed a small, short-term effect on mutans streptococci and plaque pH, with slower recolonization after SnF2 and chlorhexidine use.
• Four weeks of NaF-impregnated toothpick use significantly reduced enamel and dentine demineralization.
• Fluoride toothpicks increased dentine surface fluoride content more than 10-fold compared to non-impregnated ones.
• NaF toothpicks demonstrated superiority in effects on sound dentine compared to chlorhexidine and non-impregnated controls.

Conclusions:

• Wooden toothpicks are a suitable and effective vehicle for delivering fluoride to approximal areas.
• Fluoride-impregnated toothpicks contribute to reducing demineralization and increasing fluoride uptake in enamel and dentine.
• This delivery method shows promise for enhancing caries prevention strategies, particularly for hard-to-reach approximal sites.