Toothpaste with high fluoride
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High-Fluoride Toothpaste: Efficacy and Benefits
Introduction to High-Fluoride Toothpaste
High-fluoride toothpaste, typically containing 5000 ppm fluoride, is designed to provide enhanced protection against dental caries compared to standard fluoride toothpaste, which usually contains around 1450 ppm fluoride. This article synthesizes recent research on the effectiveness of high-fluoride toothpaste in various dental health scenarios.
Effectiveness in Preventing Root Caries
Improved Surface Hardness
A multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of high-fluoride toothpaste on root caries in adults. The study found that using a toothpaste with 5000 ppm fluoride significantly improved the surface hardness of root caries lesions compared to a regular fluoride toothpaste with 1350 ppm fluoride. The high-fluoride group showed better results at both 3 and 6 months intervals.
Prevention of White Spot Lesions During Orthodontic Treatment
Reduced Incidence of White Spot Lesions
High-fluoride toothpaste has also been shown to be effective in reducing the formation of white spot lesions (WSLs) during orthodontic treatment. A study involving adolescents using fixed orthodontic appliances found that daily brushing with 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste resulted in a 32% reduction in WSLs compared to regular fluoride toothpaste. Another study confirmed these findings, showing that high-fluoride toothpaste significantly lowered the incidence of demineralized lesions in orthodontic patients.
Comparative Efficacy in Children and Adults
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have compared the anti-caries efficacy of high-fluoride toothpastes with standard fluoride toothpastes. One review concluded that high-fluoride toothpastes (≥2500 ppm) are more effective in reducing caries increments than standard fluoride toothpastes (≤1500 ppm). Another review highlighted that toothpastes with higher fluoride concentrations (1000-1500 ppm) are more effective in preventing caries in children and adolescents compared to non-fluoride or lower fluoride toothpastes.
Salivary Fluoride Retention and Fluoride Intake
Enhanced Fluoride Retention
Research has shown that brushing with high-fluoride toothpaste results in significantly higher salivary fluoride levels compared to conventional fluoride toothpastes. This increased fluoride retention is crucial for prolonged protection against caries. The study also noted that refraining from rinsing after brushing with conventional toothpaste does not achieve the same fluoride retention as using high-fluoride toothpaste.
Additional Benefits and Application Methods
Root Dentin Caries Control
An in vitro study demonstrated that high-fluoride toothpaste, with or without functionalized tri-calcium phosphate (f TCP), provides superior protection against root caries development and progression compared to conventional fluoride toothpaste.
Innovative Application Techniques
A study explored the impact of a third application of toothpaste, including a 'massage' method using the toothpaste as a lotion. This method significantly increased fluoride retention in plaque and saliva, suggesting that additional applications of high-fluoride toothpaste can enhance its protective effects.
Conclusion
High-fluoride toothpaste offers significant benefits in preventing dental caries, particularly in high-risk populations such as those undergoing orthodontic treatment or with existing root caries. The enhanced fluoride retention and superior efficacy in reducing caries increments make it a valuable tool in dental care. For optimal results, incorporating innovative application methods and ensuring consistent use are recommended.
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