Effect of Different Preparations of Fluoride Gel on Salivary pH of Albino Rats

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of different preparations of fluoride gels on the salivary pH of albino rats. Material and Methods: This experimental study consisted of 40 Albino rats randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A was the control group and received no intervention. Experimental group B received a topical application of 0.2% sodium fluoride gel. Experimental group C received topical application of stannous fluoride gel 0.4%. Experimental group D received topical application of APF gel (1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel). The different preparations of the gels were applied once daily for 4 minutes on the occlusal surface of the right maxillary molars for 14 days. Salivary pH values were recorded immediately after the application of gels with the help of pH paper on day 1 and day 14. Results: There was a significant difference in the pH level of groups B, C and D after 14 days of fluoride application (p < 0.05). The non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test was applied for the comparison between the groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that all the fluoride gels after administration caused the acidic pH of saliva with the most acidic effect produced by APF gel (AU).

Is professionally applied topical fluoride effective in treating incipient caries? A systematic review

Abstract The present systematic review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of professionally applied topical fluoride as therapeutic agent for incipient carious lesions in permanent teeth. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of professionally applied topical fluoride (varnish or gel) with that of placebo, no intervention, and toothbrushing (control group) in the treatment of incipient carious lesions in permanent dentition were included. An electronic search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Virtual Health Library, Embase, and Cochrane databases, in the grey literature, and in clinical trials registered until January 2021. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane tool. The certainty of evidence was classified using GRADE. A total of 2,223 articles were screened using titles/abstracts. After full-text reading of the 22 selected studies, nine RCTs were included. Five RCTs found that topical fluoride may be effective in reversing incipient carious lesions in permanent teeth. Overall, five studies were classified as having a low risk of bias and four as having some concerns. Only descriptive analysis was performed because of the heterogeneity of the data. Studies comparing fluoride varnish with usual home care oral hygiene have demonstrated topical fluoride does not appear to be more effective in improving the appearance of incipient carious lesions. Therefore, usual home care oral hygiene with fluoride toothpaste may be sufficient to treat incipient carious lesions in permanent dentition. Further studies with greater methodological rigor are, however, required to reduce bias, to allow a meta-analysis, and to draw well-founded conclusions (CRD42019120406).

Efficacy of 1. 23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel on non-cavitated enamel lesions: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract: A randomized controlled parallel clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the association of 1.23% topical professional acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel with oral hygiene and dietary instructions on the arrest of active non-cavitated lesions in permanent, mixed, and temporary dentition in children between 3 and 12 years of age. Ninety-eight caries-active children were randomly divided into two groups: a fluoride gel group (n = 49) and a non-fluoridated gel group (n = 49). Each group received up to eight weekly applications of gel, weekly professional toothbrushing with oral hygiene instructions and dietary counselling. Caries lesions were assessed qualitatively through visual-tactile criteria performed in three stages: initial, intermediate, and final. Regression models were applied to identify risk indicators for caries control. Between-group comparison regarding the time taken to arrest the lesions was performed using Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. Seventeen children did not receive the allocated intervention, and one was lost to follow-up (n = 80). There was no difference between the control and placebo groups regarding the time to the arrest of the lesion (p >.05). The treatments showed similar results without significant statistical difference (p = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.32-1.48). No adverse effects were observed. It can be concluded that no additional effect of the association of 1.23% APF gel with oral hygiene using fluoride dentifrice and dietary instructions on the arrest of active non-cavitated lesions could be established. We can also confirm the importance of toothbrushing frequency and, consequently, the visible plaque reduction in the control of caries activity. RBR-37V5S3

Effect of different clinical applications on physico-mechanical properties of composite resins / Efeito de diferentes aplicações clínicas nas propriedades físico-mecânicas de resinas compostas

Although clinicians use fluoride agents to reduce the occurrence of caries, and surface sealing agents to protect composite restorations, the effects of these agents on composite resins have not yet been investigated. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of different surface applications (fluoride or surface sealant) on resin composites with different organic structures (Siloranes, Sonicfill, 3M Z550, Kalore). In this study, 120 discs and 120 bars made of composite resin were stored in water for three months before being thermally aged by cycling between 5°C and 55°C for 10,000 cycles. The discs were 15 mm in diameter and 1 mm thick; the bars were 25 × 2 × 2 mm. The surface sealant and fluoride were applied to the specimens, and evaluations were performed after 24h. Initial and final calculations were performed for flexural strength, microhardness, roughness, gloss, water sorption, and solubility. Silorane composite showed the lowest water sorption levels (p < 0.05) for both initial and aged groups. Silorane and SonicFill composite groups showed the lowest solubility (p < 0.05). Both before and after aging, the SonicFill group showed the highest values of flexural strength and microhardness. Silorane showed the highest roughness and lowest gloss values. Lower water sorption and solubility rates were seen on materials fabricated from hydrophobic monomers. High water sorption and solubility degrades the mechanical and surface properties. Fluoridation and surface sealant application can alter the surface properties but do not have any effect on the mechanical properties.

Embora os clínicos utilizem agentes de flúor para reduzir a ocorrência de cáries e agentes de vedação de superfície para proteger restaurações compostas, os efeitos desses agentes sobre as resinas compostas ainda não foram investigados. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o efeito de diferentes aplicações de superfície (fluoreto ou selante de superfície) em resinas compostas com diferentes estruturas orgânicas (Siloranes, Sonicfill, 3M Z550, Kalore). Neste estudo, 120 discos e 120 barras de resina composta foram armazenados em água por três meses antes de serem envelhecidos termicamente por ciclos alternados entre 5 °C e 55 °C por 10.000 ciclos. Os discos tinham 15 mm de diâmetro e 1 mm de espessura; as barras eram 25 × 2 × 2 mm. O selante de superfície e o flúor foram aplicados nos espécimes e as avaliações foram realizadas após 24 horas. Cálculos iniciais e finais foram realizados para resistência à flexão, microdureza, rugosidade, brilho, sorção de água e solubilidade. O compósito de silorano apresentou os menores níveis de sorção de água (p <0,05) para os grupos inicial e envelhecido. Os grupos compostos Silorane e SonicFill apresentaram a menor solubilidade (p <0,05). Tanto antes quanto depois do envelhecimento, o grupo SonicFill apresentou os maiores valores de resistência à flexão e microdureza. Silorane apresentou a maior rugosidade e menores valores de brilho. Baixas taxas de sorção e solubilidade da água foram observadas em materiais fabricados a partir de monômeros hidrofóbicos. A alta sorção e solubilidade da água degrada as propriedades mecânicas e de superfície. A fluoretação e a aplicação de selante de superfície podem alterar as propriedades da superfície, mas não afetam as propriedades mecânicas.

Influence of resin-modified glass ionomer and topical fluoride on levels of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and biofilm adjacent to metallic brackets

Abstract Decalcification of enamel during fixed orthodontic appliance treatment remains a problem. White spot lesions are observed in nearly 50% of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The use of fluoride-containing orthodontic materials has shown inconclusive results on their ability to reduce decalcification. The aims of this investigation were to compare the levels of Streptococcus mutans (SM) in saliva and biofilm adjacent to orthodontic brackets retained with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) (Fuji ORTHO LC) and a light cured composite resin (Transbond XT), and to analyze the influence of topical application of the 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) on SM counts. In a parallel study design, two groups (n=14/15) were used with random allocation and high salivary SM counts before treatment. Biofilm was collected from areas adjacent to the brackets on teeth 13, 22, 33, and 41. Both saliva and biofilm were collected on the 7th, 21st, 35th, and 49th days after appliance placement. Topical fluoride application was carried out on the 35th day. Bonding with RMGIC did not alter SM counts in saliva or biofilm adjacent to the brackets. On the other hand, the biofilm adjacent to brackets retained with composite resin showed a significant increase in SM counts along the trial period. Topical application of 1.23% APF did not reduce salivary or biofilm SM counts regardless of the bonding material. In conclusion, fluoride topical application did not show efficacy in reducing SM. The use of RMGIC as bonding materials allowed a better control of SM cfu counts in dental biofilm hindering the significant increase of these microorganisms along the trial period, which was observed in the biofilm adjacent to the composite material.

CO2 laser and/or fluoride enamel treatment against in situ/ex vivo erosive challenge

ABSTRACT Objective This in situ/ex vivo study investigated the effect of CO2 laser irradiation and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF) application, separately and in combination, on enamel resistance to erosion. Material and Methods During 2 experimental 5-day crossover phases, 8 volunteers wore intraoral appliances containing bovine enamel blocks which were submitted to four groups: 1st phase - control, untreated and CO2 laser irradiation, 2nd phase - fluoride application and fluoride application before CO2 laser irradiation. Laser irradiation was performed at 10.6 µm wavelength, 5 µs pulse duration and 50 Hz frequency, with average power input and output of 2.3 W and 2.0 W, respectively (28.6 J/cm2). APF gel (1.23%F, pH 3.5) was applied on enamel surface with a microbrush and left on for 4 minutes. Then, the enamel blocks were fixed at the intraoral appliance level. The erosion was performed extraorally 4 times daily for 5 min in 150 mL of cola drink. Enamel loss was measured profilometrically after treatment and after the in situ phase. The data were tested using one-way Repeated Measures Anova and Tukey's test (p<0.05). Results CO2 laser alone (2.00±0.39 µm) did not show any significantly preventive effect against enamel erosion when compared with the control group (2.41±1.20 µm). Fluoride treated enamel, associated (1.50±0.30 µm) or not (1.47±0.63 µm) with laser irradiation, significantly differed from the control. Conclusion The APF application decreased enamel wear; however, CO2 laser irradiation did not enhance fluoride ability to reduce enamel wear.

Corrosion behavior of zirconia in acidulated phosphate fluoride

ABSTRACT Objective The corrosion behavior of zirconia in acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) representing acidic environments and fluoride treatments was studied. Material and Methods Zirconia rods were immersed in 1.23% and 0.123% APF solutions and maintained at 37°C for determined periods of time. Surfaces of all specimens were imaged using digital microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Sample mass and dimensions were measured for mass loss determination. Samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) to detect changes in crystallinity. A biosensor based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to detect ion dissolution of material into the immersion media. Results Digital microscopy revealed diminishing luster of the materials and SEM showed increased superficial corrosion of zirconia submerged in 1.23% APF. Although no structural change was found, the absorption of salts (sodium phosphate) onto the surface of the materials bathed in 0.123% APF was significant. EIS indicated a greater change of impedance for the immersion solutions with increasing bathing time. Conclusion Immersion of zirconia in APF solutions showed deterioration limited to the surface, not extending to the bulk of the material. Inferences on zirconia performance in acidic oral environment can be elucidated from the study.

Surface micromorphological changes of glass ionomer following application of 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride: A scanning electron microscope study.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surface micromorphological changes of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) (Fuji II, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and high strength, high viscosity GIC (Fuji IX GP, GC Corporation) subjected to 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel for 4 min. It also evaluated the surface micromorphological changes that occurred in these materials when they were coated with a layer of glass ionomer varnish prior to the application of 1.23% APF gel. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 uniform glass ionomer cylinders were prepared (30 of each Fuji II and Fuji IX) and stored in distilled water for 48 h, following which they were divided into six groups depending on the surface treatment. Group 1: Fuji II alone, Group 2: Fuji IX alone, Group 3: Fuji II + 1.23% APF gel for 4 min, Group 4: Fuji IX + 1.23% APF gel for 4 min, Group 5: Fuji II + varnish + 1.23% APF gel for 4 min, and Group 6: Fuji IX + varnish + 1.23% APF gel for 4 min. After the required surface treatment had been done, the specimens were mounted, coated, and evaluated under scanning electron microscope. Statistical Analysis: Kruskal–Wallis test applied to compare the level of degradation among the groups subjected to treatment was highly significant (P < 0.001). Mann–Whitney test was applied to test the association between glass ionomer varnish and level of surface degradation and was also statistically significant (P = 0.001). Results: The results indicated that APF gel etched the surface of both Fuji II and Fuji IX. However, Fuji IX showed to possess better resistance to the erosive effect of APF than Fuji II. It was also observed that application of glass ionomer varnish prior to APF gel application protected the glass ionomer from the erosive effect of APF gel. Conclusion: APF gel caused erosive wear of the GICs esp. Fuji II. Hence, it is advisable to avoid the use of APF containing preparations for regular home use especially in children having glass ionomer restoration. If APF gel is indicated or preferred for professional application, it is recommended to apply glass ionomer varnish on the restored teeth prior to the APF gel application.

Effect of fluoride solutions on color and surface roughness of dental composites / Efeito de soluções fluoretadas sobre a cor e rugosidade de superfície de compósitos odontológicos

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the ac-tion of fluoride solutions on color stability (?E) and sur-face roughness (Ra) of composites (HeliomolarTM, 4 Sea-sonsTM, Tetric N-CeramTM, SR AdoroTM). Materials and method: A Teflon matrix (12x2 mm) was used to fabri-cate 24 test specimens for each composite. The samples were separated into 4 groups (n=6), according to the immersion solution: distilled water (control), acidulated phosphate fluoride (1.23%), neutral sodium fluoride gel (2%), and solution of sodium fluoride (0.05%). Color (Spectrophotometer PCB 6807) and roughness (Surf-corder SE 1700) readings were performed before and after immersion into the solutions. Results: Composites presented color alteration within clinically acceptable limits (?E<3.3), increasing according to the periods of immersion. Regarding roughness, it was observed that Ra values were lower than the critical limit to promote increase in dental biofilm retention (Ra>0.2 µm). Con-clusions: Color and surface roughness alteration of the different composites was clinically acceptable after im-mersion in all fluoride solutions and in all periods.

Effect of fluoride solutions on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of brackets after pre-treatment with different fluoride solutions. This study used 48 freshly extracted sound bovine incisors that were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups (n=12). CG: (control) without treatment; NF: 4 min application of neutral fluoride; APF: application of 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) for 4 min; and SFV: application of 5% sodium fluoride varnish for 6 h. For each group, after surface treatment, prophylaxis of enamel and bracket bonding with Transbond XT composite resin (3M) were performed following the manufacturer's specifications. The shear bond strength was performed with a universal testing machine 24 h after fixing the brackets. The tooth surfaces were analyzed to verify the adhesive remnant index (ARI). Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). There was statistically significant difference among the groups (p<0.0001). CG and NF groups presented significantly higher bond strength than APF and SFV. There was no significant difference between CG and NF or between APF and SFV (p>0.05). The analysis of ARI scores revealed that most failures occurred at the enamel-resin interface. It may be concluded that the pre-treatment of enamel with 1.23% APF and 5% SFV prior to fixing orthodontic brackets reduces shear bond strength values.

O objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar in vitro a resistência adesiva de bráquetes após o pré-tratamento do esmalte com diferentes soluções fluoretadas. Foram utilizados 48 incisivos bovinos hígidos recém-extraídos que foram aleatoriamente divididos em 4 grupos experimentais (n=12). CG (controle): sem tratamento; FN: aplicação de flúor neutro por 4 min; FFA: aplicação de flúor fosfato acidulado (FFA) a 1,23% por 4 min; e VFS: aplicação de verniz de fluoreto de sódio a 5% por 6 h. Após o tratamento dos grupos, foi realizada a profilaxia do esmalte e os bráquetes foram fixados utilizando o compósito Transbond XT (3M), seguindo as especificações do fabricante. A resistência adesiva foi verificada através do teste de cisalhamento, realizado na Máquina de Ensaio Universal DL-2000 24 h após a fixação dos bráquetes. As superfícies dos dentes foram analisadas para verificação do índice de adesivo remanescente (IAR). Por meio dos testes estatísticos ANOVA e Tukey (α=5%), observou-se diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos estudados (p<0,0001), sendo que GC e FN, apresentaram valores superiores de resistência adesiva quando comparados aos grupos FFA e VFS, porém GC-NF e FFA-VFS não apresentaram diferenças estatisticas entre si (p>0,05). A análise dos escores do IAR revelou que grande parte das falhas ocorreram na interface esmalte-resina. Conclui-se que o tratamento do esmalte com FFA 1,23% e VFS a 5%, previamente à fixação de bráquetes ortodônticos, reduziu os valores de resistência adesiva ao cisalhamento.

Surface degradation of glass ceramics after exposure to acidulated phosphate fluoride

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the surface degradation effect of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel exposure on the glassy matrix ceramics as a function of time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Disc-shaped ceramic specimens (N = 120, 10/per ceramic material) were prepared in stainless steel molds (inner diameter: 5 mm, height: 2 mm) using 6 dental ceramics: 3 indicated for ceramic-fused-to-metal (Vita Omega 900, Carmen and Vita Titankeramik), 2 for all-ceramic (Vitadur Alpha and Finesse® Low Fusing) and 1 for both types of restorations (IPS d.SIGN). The specimens were wet ground finished, ultrasonically cleaned and auto-glazed. All specimens were subjected to calculation of percentage of mass loss, surface roughness analysis and topographical description by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before (0 min) and after exposure to 1.23 percent APF gel for 4 min and 60 min representing short- and long-term etching effect, respectively. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures and Tukey's test (a=0.05). RESULTS: Significant effect of the type of the ceramics (p=0.0000, p=0.0031) and exposure time (p=0.0000) was observed in both surface roughness and percentage of mass loss values, respectively. The interaction factor between both parameters was also significant for both parameters (p=0.0904, p=0.0258). Both 4 min (0.44±0.1 - 0.81±0.2 mm) and 60 min (0.66±0.1 - 1.04±0.3 mm) APF gel exposure created significantly more surface roughness for all groups when compared to the control groups (0.33±0.2 - 0.68±0.2 mm) (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in percentage of mass loss between the ceramics at 4 min (p>0.05) but at 60 min exposure, IPS d.SIGN showed the highest percentage of mass loss (0.1151±0.11). The mean surface roughness for Vita Titankeramik (0.84±0.2 mm) and Finesse® Low Fusing (0.74.±0.2 mm) was significantly higher than those of the other ...

Effect of different topical fluoride applications on the surface roughness of a colored compomer

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of neutral sodium fluoride (NNaF) gel and acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel on the surface roughness of colored compomer (Twinky Star), conventional compomer (Compoglass F) and resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC) (Photac-Fil). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 45 standardized disc-shaped specimens were prepared for each material. After 24 h, finishing and polishing of specimens were done with aluminum oxide disc. Surface treatments with topical fluoride agents or distilled water (control) were performed four times, and interspersed with 8 pH cycles, simulating high cariogenic challenges. After the treatment, the surface roughness (Ra) was determined using a profilometer. In each group, specimens with Ra closest to the mean were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at ×1,000 and ×3,500 magnifications. Two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate Ra measurements, and the differences in Ra values between subgroups for each material and each topical applications were compared by Tukey's highly significant difference pairwise comparisons. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in Ra between the Twinky Star and Compoglass F was found. However, Photac Fil showed significantly higher Ra than these materials after all surface treatments. There was a general trend of Ra increase from controls to NNaF and APF gels for all materials. SEM observations revealed that the surface micromorphology of Twinky-Star did not differ significantly from that of Compoglass F. CONCLUSION: Both the compomers and the RMGIC showed significantly higher surface roughness when subjected to APF gel application.

Effect of APF gel application time on enamel demineralization and fluoride uptake in situ

This in situ crossover and blind study was conducted to investigate the effect of professional acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel application time on the subsequent inhibition of enamel demineralization. During 3 phases of 28 days each, 15 volunteers wore palatal appliances containing 4 enamel blocks, which were subjected to 3 treatment groups: not treated (control) and pre-treated with APF gel for 1 or 4 min. Dental plaque was allowed to accumulate on the blocks and the appliances were immersed in 10 percent sucrose solution 3 times a day simulating a cariogenic challenge. After each phase, the blocks were removed to evaluate enamel demineralization and concentration of fluoride (F) remaining after the cariogenic challenge. F formed on enamel was determined in additional enamel blocks subjected only to APF gel application. APF gel was efficient in reducing enamel demineralization (p<0.05), irrespective of the application time (p>0.05). Also, the concentration of the F formed and retained on enamel was significantly higher after APF gel application (p<0.05), but the effect of time of application was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The results suggest that APF application for either 1 or 4 min is equally efficient to increase F concentration in enamel and reduce enamel demineralization.

Considerando que o efeito do tempo da aplicação profissional de flúor fosfato acidulado (FFA) na subseqüente inibição da desmineralização do esmalte dental não está claramente estabelecido, este foi avaliado em um estudo in situ, cruzado e cego. Em 3 fases de 28 dias cada uma, 15 voluntários utilizaram um dispositivo palatino contendo 4 blocos de esmalte, que foram submetidos a 3 grupos/tratamentos: não tratado (controle) e pré-tratado com FFA gel por 1 ou 4 min. Placa dental foi acumulada sobre os blocos e 3 vezes ao dia os dispositivos foram imersos em uma solução de sacarose a 10 por cento simulando um desafio cariogênico. Após cada fase, os blocos foram removidos para avaliação da desmineralização do esmalte e concentração de fluoreto (F) remanescente após o desafio cariogênico. O F formado no esmalte foi determinado em blocos adicionais submetidos apenas à aplicação de FFA gel. O tratamento com FFA gel reduziu a desmineralização do esmalte (p<0,05), independentemente do tempo de aplicação (p>0,05). Adicionalmente, a concentração de F formado e retido no esmalte foi significantemente maior após a aplicação do FFA gel (p<0,05), mas o efeito do tempo de aplicação não foi estatisticamente significante (p>0,05). Os resultados sugerem que não há diferença entre os tempos 1 ou 4 min de aplicação de FFA gel em termos de aumento da concentração de F no esmalte e redução de sua desmineralização frente a um desafio cariogênico.

The effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation combined with acidulated phosphate fluorid treatment on the acid resistance of human enamel / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective: To study the effect of pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation combined with acidulated phosphate fluorid (APF) on the acid resistance of human dental enamel. Methods: Enamel samples were prepared from 192 caries-free extracted teeth. The smooth surface and pits and fissures were treated with 12 3 g/L APF for 4 minutes after 100,150 or 200 mJ pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation. Then the teeth were put into 12.3 g/L of artificial caries inducing solution (acid solution) for 1,5,10 or 24 h respectively. The control teeth were treated with APF only. The amount of calcium dissolved in the solution was determined with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the depth of artificial caries was measured with polarized microscope. Results: The amount of calcium dissolved in the acid solution was significantly less in the groups with laser treatment than that in those without laser treatment (P