Diffusion of fluoride from alginate compared with other topical fluoride agents.

A two-chamber diffusion cell has been employed to monitor the diffusion of fluoride (F) from F-containing agents. The F which diffused from fluoridated alginate-base formula, F-containing gel (Gelution) and varnish (Duraphat) was determined within the first 6 or 20 min in unstirred conditions. A comparative analysis of the data showed that the alginate-base formula was efficient in releasing F. The results also indicate that the diffused F was not directly related to the total F content in the products or the bulkiness of the test specimens. It is obvious that the physicochemical properties of the products play a determining role in the release of F.