Low-Fluoride Acidic Dentifrice: A Randomized Clinical Trial in a Fluoridated Area

Author(s)

Vilhena, F. V. ^[1] ; Olympio, K. P. K. ^[1] ; Lauris, J. R. P. ^[2] ; Delbem, A. C. B. ^[3] ; Buzalaf, M. A. R. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol Sci, Bauru Sch Dent, BR-17012901 Bauru, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Orthodont Pediat Dent & Collect Hlth, Bauru Sch Dent, BR-17012901 Bauru, SP - Brazil

^[3] Sao Paulo State Univ, Aracatuba Sch Dent, Dept Pediat Dent, Aracatuba - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Caries Research; v. 44, n. 5, p. 478-484, 2010.
• Web of Science Citations: 22

Abstract

Background: Low-fluoride dentifrices have been suggested as alternatives to reduce dental fluorosis risk, but there is no consensus regarding their clinical effectiveness, which has been suggested to be increased when their pH is acidic. Aims: This single-blind randomized clinical trial evaluated the caries increment during the use of a low-fluoride acidic liquid dentifrice. Methods: Four-year-old schoolchildren (n = 1,402) living in a fluoridated area (0.6-0.8 ppm F) were randomly allocated to 4 groups differing according to the type of dentifrice used over a 20-month period. Group 1 (n = 345): liquid dentifrice, 1,100 ppm F, pH 4.5. Group 2 (n = 343): liquid dentifrice, 1,100 ppm F, pH 7.0. Group 3 (n = 354): liquid dentifrice, 550 ppm F, pH 4.5. Group 4 (n = 360): toothpaste, 1,100 ppm F, pH 7.0. At baseline and after 20 months, clinical examinations were conducted (dmfs index) and caries increment was calculated. Data were analysed by GLM procedure using classrooms (cluster) as unit of analysis (p < 0.05). Results: The mean +/- SD (95% CI) net increments found were as follows. Group 1: 2.06 +/- 2.38 (1.8-2.3); group 2: 2.08 +/- 2.87 (1.7-2.4); group 3: 2.05 +/- 2.79 (1.7-2.4), and group 4: 2.08 +/- 2.34 (1.8-2.4). No significant differences were detected among the groups. Conclusion: In a population with high caries risk living in a fluoridated area, as the selected sample, and according to the present protocol, the low-fluoride acidic liquid dentifrice seems to lead to similar caries progression rates as conventional 1,100 ppm F toothpaste. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 05/03975-6 - Effect of a new liquid dentifrice with reduced pH on the prevention of new carious lesions: a randomized clinical trial
• Grantee: Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• 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