Objectives
To determine whether there are any differences in fluoride (F), calcium (Ca) or phosphate (PO₄) concentrations in natural plaque biofilms between the upper right and left quadrants using a fluoride sustained slow-releasing device (FSSRD) placed in the upper right quadrant after 7 and 21 days. To report and validate a new methodology in measuring very low concentrations of F in dental plaque and saliva using ion chromatography.
Methods
Twenty-one participants were divided into two groups with 11 participants in group one and 10 in group two. Each participant had a FSSRD attached to the upper right second permanent molar and two plaque generating devices (PGDs) attached to the upper right and left first permanent molars. The PGDs were recovered after 7 days in group one and 21 days in group two.
Results
At both 7 and 21 days (right, left), F (1.081 ± 1.517 ppm, 0.736 ± 0.840 ppm) and (0.459 ± 0.888 ppm, 0.203 ± 0.139 ppm), PO₄ (1053 ± 533 ppm, 654 ± 246 ppm) and (865 ± 1099 ppm, 474 ± 304 ppm) and Ca (136 ± 132 ppm, 74 ± 36 ppm) and (130 ± 109 ppm, 77 ± 24 ppm), were higher in the quadrant containing the FSSRD but not significantly so (p > 0.05). Fluoride and PO4 fell in both quadrants between 7 and 21 days, though not significantly.
Conclusions
Intriguingly while not statistically significant, 21 day plaque contained less fluoride than those investigated after 7 days. While the data was not statistically significant, it seems possible that F, Ca and PO₄ accumulated around the device to a limited extent but were washed away fairly quickly and distributed around the oral cavity.
Clinical importance
The FSSRD was found to reduce dmfs/DMFS by 76% and raise salivary F levels by ∼10 folds. This device is very helpful in reducing dental decay where compliance is impaired such as in patients with special needs. This study further investigates the anti-cariogenic effect of this device.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)