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[Abstract] [PDF]
Background/objectives: Professional topical fluoride (F) gel application has been used to prevent
dental caries with a concern about safety in young children. The aim of this study is to evaluate
a paint-on technique using a No. 8 paint brush for applying professional topical F gel as
an alternative method in children at a safer, lower dose compared with a tray.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-one healthy children (12-15-year-old) participated in this
clinical crossover study. The amounts of F gel used were 0.4 ml in the paint-on or 5.0 ml in the tray.
Saliva and interproximal fluid were collected before, and immediately, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min after
application. F retention efficiency was evaluated by salivary flow rate, F concentration, F availability,
and time half-life (t2).
Results: The salivary flow rate induced by the two methods were similar. The F concentration and
availability in the saliva and interproximal fluid in the paint-on technique was significantly higher
than those in the tray technique. The t2 in the saliva and interproximal fluid in the paint-on technique
were shorter than those in the tray.
Conclusion: The novel paint-on technique effectively delivered topical F gel at a safe dose that
would allow its use in young children, particularly those with a high caries risk.
(CU Dent J. 2019;42:77-88)
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