Fluoride concentration in whole saliva and separate gland secretions after topical treatment with three different fluoride varnishes

Abstract

Fluoride concentration in whole saliva and in separate gland secretions was determined after a single application of each of 3 different fluoride varnishes with contrasting levels of fluoride in a randomized crossover design. The study group comprised 8 healthy schoolchildren aged 10-12 years treated with A: Bifluorid^® 12 (6% F); B: Duraphat^® (2.26% F); and C: Fluor Protector^® (0.1% F). Unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva, as well as stimulated parotid and submandibular-sublingual saliva, were collected at baseline and 1, 6, 12, and 24 h after the varnish treatments. The fluoride concentrations were determined with an ion-selective electrode. Time- and dose-dependent concentration curves were obtained in all the collected secretions, A > B > C. In whole saliva, the fluoride levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.01) 1 h after the A and B varnish applications compared with baseline, while the increase was insignificant for varnish C. Similar patterns were unveiled in the parotid and submandibular-sublingual secretions, although the increase in fluoride concentration was modest. The elevated levels did not exceed 6 h for any of the varnish tested. The results of this study suggest a correlation between the concentration of fluoride of the varnish and fluoride levels obtained in saliva after application.