Anticaries efficacy of a new low-fluoride liquid acidic dentifrice: a randomized clinical trial

Author(s)

Fabiano Vieira Vilhena

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Bauru.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB)
• Defense date: 2009-02-06

Examining board members

Marilia Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf; Alberto Carlos Botazzo Delbem; Suzely Adas Saliba Moimaz; Daniela Rios; Fábio Correia Sampaio

• Advisor: Marilia Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a liquid dentifrice with reduced pH and low fluoride concentration for the prevention of new carious lesions and fluoride uptake in dental biofilm and nails. One thousand four hundred and two 4-year-old schoolchildren with caries experience were randomly allocated to 4 groups, differing according to the dentifrice used for 20 months: G1liquid dentifrice (1,100 ppmF, NaF, pH 4.5, n=345), G2-liquid dentifrice (1,100 ppmF, NaF, pH 7.0, n=343), G3-liquid dentifrice (550 ppmF, NaF, pH 4.5, n=354), G4-commercial toothpaste (control-1,100 ppmF,NaF, pH 7.0, n=360). The liquid dentifrices and toothpaste were applied to the toothbrush using the drop and transverse techniques, respectively. Caries progression (dmfs) was evaluated at baseline and after 12 and 20 months of continuous use of the dentifrices. A subsample of each group participated in the second section. Fingernails and toenails were clipped in two separate occasions, after being allowed to grow for 14 days (n=15 for each group). Plaque samples were collected 1 hr after the last use of the respective dentifrices (n=21 for each group). Plaque and nails [F]s were analyzed with the electrode, after HMDS-facilitated diffusion. dmfs data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test (p<0,05).Plaque data were tested by ANOVA and Tukey\'s test, while nails data were analyzed by two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni\'s test (p<0.05). Results: 1,053 children were examined after 20 months (271, 262, 250 and 270 children for G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively). Mean dmfs(±SD) at baseline, after 20 months and % increment were, respectively: G1) 5.07±5.11, 7.13±6.53 and 30.8%; G2) 4.80±5.00, 6.88±6.78 and 31.9%; G3) 5.24±5.37, 7.29±7.27 and 30.5%; G4) 5.05±4.89, 7.13±6.35 and 31.1%. No significant differences were found among the groups for all the variables tested. Mean (±se, unit mmol/Kg dry weight) plaque [F]s were 3.091±0.984a, 1.667±0.410a, 1.448±0.303a 0.405±0.103b for G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively. Fingernails [F]s were significantly higher when compared to toenails. The highest [F]s were found for that significantly differed from the experimental liquid dentifrices, except for A (toenails only). The lowest [F]s were found for C, which significantly differed from all the other dentifrices. The experimental 1,100 ppm F dentifrices led to intermediary [F]s in nails and did not significantly differ from each other. Conclusions: The results suggest that the low-fluoride (550 ppm F) acidic dentifrice has the same anticaries effectiveness as the conventional 1,100 ppm F dentifrices. The reduction of the dentifrice pH increases the F uptake in dental plaque and does not affect nails [F]s. Thus, the use of low-fluoride acidic dentifrices seems to be a good alternative to prevent dental caries and reduce the F intake from dentifrice in small children. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 05/04090-8 - Clinical trial on the effect of a new liquid dentifrice formulation with low pH and low concentration of fluoride in the prevention of new carious lesions
• Grantee: Fabiano Vieira Vilhena
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate