Although it is now well accepted that the primary anticaries activity of fluoride (F) is via topical action, the importance of F retention in the mouth has not been elucidated. The intent of this proposal is to study the relationship between F retention in the oral cavity and the clinical efficacy of home-use topical F products. In the first phase of the project F concentrations in whole saliva, ductal saliva, plaque, enamel, soft tissue and interproximal spaces will be determined at different intervals after the application of topical F products (F-dentifrice, F- mouthrinse, F-gel). Four subject panels will be compared: a standardized panel of dentally healthy adults; an edentulous panel; a periodontally involved panel; and an hyposalivatory panel. In the second phase of the project the standardized subject panel will wear an intraoral appliance carrying partially demineralized blocks of human enamel. Enamel remineralization and F-uptake will be evaluated after 1, 7 and 14 days of treatment with different F regimens. Experiments will be conducted to separate the effects of initial F exposure during topical F application from the effects of F-retention in the mouth after the initial application. Additional experiments will evaluate the effects of daytime vs. nighttime F treatment. The objectives of the study are: a) to compare F concentrations in whole saliva with ductal saliva, plaque, enamel, oral soft tissue and interproximal spaces after the use of different home-use F regimens; b) to compare a standardized subject panel with an edentulous panel, a periodontally involved panel, and an hyposalivatory panel, in regard to F-retention. (c) to evaluate the relationship between F-retention, and enamel remineralization and F-uptake over periods of 1, 7 and 14 days; (d) to compare remineralizing effect of the initial contact of topical F with teeth with the effect of F retained in the oral environment after F treatment. The proposed research is expected to provide a deeper understanding of fluoride retention, its role in the caries process, and how this can be exploited to improve caries preventive methods.
| Zero, D T (1995) In situ caries models. Adv Dent Res 9:214-30;discussion 231-4 |
| Harding, A M; Zero, D T; Featherstone, J D et al. (1994) Calcium fluoride formation on sound enamel using fluoride solutions with and without lactate. Caries Res 28:1-8 |
| Zero, D T; Raubertas, R F; Pedersen, A M et al. (1992) Studies of fluoride retention by oral soft tissues after the application of home-use topical fluorides. J Dent Res 71:1546-52 |
| Zero, D T; Raubertas, R F; Fu, J et al. (1992) Fluoride concentrations in plaque, whole saliva, and ductal saliva after application of home-use topical fluorides [published eerratum appears in J Dent Res 1993 Jan;72(1):87] J Dent Res 71:1768-75 |
| Featherstone, J D; Zero, D T (1992) An in situ model for simultaneous assessment of inhibition of demineralization and enhancement of remineralization. J Dent Res 71 Spec No:804-10 |
