The study analyzes the levels of fluoride in saliva.
Its relationship with the use of fluoride toothpaste in different concentrations.
Together with the toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste represents the most effective tool to combat dental caries.
Fluoride toothpaste is now widely used by patients but is also always recommended by dentists. Together with the toothbrush, it represents the most effective tool to fight tooth decay. A study by the Department of Dentistry and Oral Health at the University of Aarhus in Denmark analyzed fluoride levels in patients' saliva using fluoride toothpaste in different concentrations.
This study aimed to verify the presence of a long-lasting salivary fluoride reservoir in these patients, a valuable substance for oral health. The research was published in the European Journal of Oral Sciences.
Fluoride toothpaste generally contains about 1500 ppm of fluoride. This is the most commonly used dose, which in high-dose toothpaste can reach much higher concentrations, up to 5000 ppm. There are numerous studies on the effects of fluoride toothpaste, even at high concentrations. However, it is still unclear whether high doses of fluoride can lead to sustained increases in salivary fluoride levels. The study in question attempts to illuminate this crucial aspect, which has yet to be investigated.
The randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, double-blind clinical study was conducted in two phases: trial and washout. In the first phase, the test group used toothpaste with high doses of fluoride (5000ppm) for 3 weeks; the control group used toothpaste with 1450ppm of fluoride. In the second phase, all participants used toothpaste with 1450ppm fluoride. The two groups consisted of 24 people each.
Results of the study
The researchers first analyzed the fluoride concentration levels in saliva at 10 preset time points. Second, they estimated adverse effects on the habitual use of the two different dentifrices. Salivary fluoride concentration increased significantly in the 5000 ppm fluoride group during the first phase. It also increased in the other group, but less markedly. In the second phase, however, salivary fluoride concentration levels decreased from the second day of use of the dentifrice with 1450 ppm fluoride. This a sign that fluoride, which accumulates mainly on the surface of the teeth, requires continuous use of toothpaste to remain stable, which only in very few cases produces side effects (migraine and skin reactions on the neck and ears).
