Fluoride retention of a mucosa adhesive paste compared with other home-care fluoride products.

Home-care use of fluoride (F) requires a motivated individual and several F products rely on a person's ability to follow instructions and to cooperate with the treatment. The aim of this crossover study was to investigate concentrations, distribution in the oral cavity and duration of the elevated F concentrations after using four F products: (1) a mucosa adhesive paste with 0.1% F, (2) a mouth rinsing solution with 0.2% NaF, (3) toothpaste containing 0.5% F and (4) a tablet with 0.75 mg F. Fourteen subjects used the four products in randomized order either during the daytime or just before going to bed. The F concentration was measured both in saliva and at interproximal sites. After 6 h of sleep, the F concentration after using the mucosa adhesive paste and the mouth rinse solution was high in saliva. In the interproximal area, the adhesive paste showed the highest values. During daytime use, all the products increased the F concentration, but only the mucosa adhesive paste and the rinsing solution elevated F in saliva for up to 2 h. In the interproximal area, the paste increased the F concentration most. In conclusion, this study showed that the mucosa adhesive paste and the mouth rinse solution led to higher F concentrations and for a longer time than tablets and toothpaste. For patients who are unable to comply with traditional F treatment, an F-containing adhesive paste therefore has the potential to be a useful vehicle. For individuals who are able to cooperate, a mouth rinse with an F solution is a simple, efficient and well-known method for preventing dental caries.