ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) and amine fluoride (AmF) on bacterial viability in the oral cavity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Healthy subjects brushed their teeth with either fluoride free toothpaste, NaF- or AmF-containing toothpaste. Biofilm smears from different locations were collected before and immediately and 30 and 120 min after tooth brushing. The smears were stained with live/dead bacterial staining, and the number of the respective bacteria was counted. The data were statistically analyzed by comparing the numbers of bacteria before and after the application of no fluoride, NaF and AmF. RESULTS: The highest numbers of bacteria were found in the tongue biofilm, followed by the palatal and cheek biofilm. The lowest numbers were found in the mouth floor biofilm. After the application of AmF, no changes in the numbers of bacteria were found in the biofilms, except for the cheek, where they were reduced. After the application of NaF, the number of bacteria decreased significantly in all biofilms. After 120 min, bacterial regrowth was complete. CONCLUSIONS: AmF has only little effect on the bacterial viability of oral biofilms. NaF application reduces the number of living bacteria in the oral biofilms. This effect lasts not longer than 120 min.
