Fluoride uptake and remineralisation of enamel lesions after weekly application of differently concentrated fluoride gels.

There is only little information on the remineralising capability of regularly applied highly concentrated fluoride gels. The aim of this in situ study was to test the hypothesis that weekly application of a 1.25% fluoride gel results in a significantly higher fluoride uptake and a significantly higher mineral gain compared to a 0.5% fluoride or a placebo gel, respectively. Thirty-six subjects were included in this double-blind, three-way, crossover, placebo-controlled study and randomly assigned to a treatment scheme. Two weeks before the study, between treatment periods as well as during the study periods, subjects were instructed to abstain from any fluoride source other than the study medication. At the beginning of each of three 4-week periods specimen holders, each containing 10 bovine enamel slabs, were placed in the subjects' mouths. During the experimental periods the volunteers brushed the specimens with placebo gel, 0.5% fluoride gel or 1.25% fluoride gel once a week. Fluoride uptake was significantly higher after treatment with the 1.25% fluoride gel than after treatment with the 0.5% fluoride gel (p = 0.007) or the placebo gel (p < 0.001). Treatment with 0.5% fluoride gel led to a significantly higher fluoride uptake compared to placebo treatment (p < 0.001). Changes in mineral gain and lesion depth were not statistically significantly different between the three groups. Under the present experimental conditions repeated application of highly concentrated fluoride gels did not promote remineralisation significantly. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes