Fluoride release from a toothbrush.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the fluoride concentration in unstimulated saliva after using a toothbrush with 9,048 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride incorporated in the bristles. A toothpaste with 1,500 ppm fluoride served as the positive control. Twelve volunteers took part in the single-blind crossover study. In a pre-test phase of 14 days, the subjects refrained from eating fluoride-rich foods and did not use any fluoride-containing products for oral hygiene measures. This was followed by a test period of four weeks. At day one and after 14 and 28 days, unstimulated saliva was collected and analyzed for its fluoride content. Saliva was collected immediately after toothbrushing and after 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 150, and 180 minutes. On day one, the fluoride toothbrush released significant amounts of fluoride immediately after the brushing, and after 15 and 30 minutes (p < 0.01). After 14 days of use, this could be found immediately after brushing and after 15 minutes (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05, respectively). After 28 days, a significant fluoride release was only found immediately after brushing (p < 0.05). On all days, compared to the positive control, the fluoride release from the fluoride toothbrush was generally lower immediately after brushing and after 15 minutes (p < 0.001, p < 0.01 or p < 0.05, respectively). It may be concluded that a toothbrush with incorporated sodium fluoride could act as a fluoride-releasing. device.