adam

OBJECTIVES:
The biological effects of resin-modified glass-ionomer cements as used in clinical dentistry are described, and the literature reviewed on this topic.

METHODS:
Information on resin-modified glass-ionomers and on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), the most damaging substance released by these materials, has been collected from over 50 published papers. These were mainly identified through Scopus.

RESULTS:
HEMA is known to be released from these materials and has a variety of damaging biological properties, ranging from pulpal inflammation to allergic contact dermatitis. These are therefore potential hazards from resin-modified glass-ionomers. However, clinical results with these materials that have been reported to date are generally positive.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
Resin-modified glass-ionomers cannot be considered biocompatible to nearly the same extent as conventional glass-ionomers. Care needs to be taken with regard to their use in dentistry and, in particular, dental personnel may be at risk from adverse effects such as contact dermatitis and other immunological responses.

PURPOSE:
The aim of this in vivo pilot study was to determine the concentration of fluoride retained intra-orally in saliva after flossing with dental floss impregnated with stannous fluoride (SnF(2)).

METHODS:
Participants flossed their teeth ad libitum with 2 premeasured lengths of fluoridated dental floss. Expectorated saliva samples were collected in vials before flossing (PF), immediately postflossing(IPF), at 30 minutes (30), and 1 hour (60) after flossing for analysis with a fluoride-specific electrode and an Orion millivoltmeter. Postflossing samples were compared to the preflossing samples using ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD.

RESULTS:
Differences between the PF and IPF group means were found to be statistically significant at p<0.01. No other significant differences were found between or among any of the groups. Salivary fluoride levels at 60 minutes (60) were similar to those prior to flossing (PF).

CONCLUSIONS:
It can be concluded that fluoride can be released from flossing with the tested SnF(2)-impregnated dental floss elevating salivary fluoride levels for at least 30 minutes. Use of this fluoride-containing dental floss offers an option for delivery of fluoride to individuals at risk for dental caries.

Water fluoridation has been identified by CDC as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. The decline in the prevalence and severity of dental caries (tooth decay) in the United States during the past 60 years has been attributed largely to the increased use of fluoride. Community water fluoridation is an equitable and cost-effective method for delivering fluoride to the community. A Healthy People 2010 objective is to increase to 75% the proportion of the U.S. population served by community water systems who receive optimally fluoridated water. To update and revise previous reports on fluoridation in the United States and describe progress toward the Healthy People 2010 objective, CDC analyzed fluoridation data for the period 1992-2006 from the 50 states and District of Columbia (DC). The results indicated that the percentage of the U.S. population served by community water systems who received optimally fluoridated water increased from 62.1% in 1992, to 65.0% in 2000, and 69.2% in 2006, and those percentages varied substantially by state. Public health officials and policymakers in states with lower percentages of residents receiving optimal water fluoridation should consider increasing their efforts to promote fluoridation of community water systems to prevent dental caries.

Material and methods and Results:

The F release of 26 brands of toothpicks and floss was followed for 24 hrs in vitro. A large variation in the release between these products was found; in general, toothpicks resulted in larger amounts of F compared with floss. The release in vivo was studied using single and multiple fluoridated toothpicks and dental floss, as well as in combination with toothbrushing or a mouthrinse with 0.2% NaF. Moreover, the administration of F by an interdental brush dipped in 0.2% NaF gel (here called the “Inter Dental Brush Gel Method”) was evaluated. Approximal saliva was collected, using paper points, before and up to 60 min after treatment. Both toothpicks and floss resulted in enhanced F concentrations in vivo. An interdental brush dipped in 0.2% NaF gel and a mouthrinse with 0.2% NaF resulted in the same F concentration as after using multiple toothpicks. All combinations of toothpicks and dental floss with F rinsing resulted in higher concentrations than after only toothbrushing or in combination with brushing. The most optimal order was to use toothpicks and dental floss after toothbrushing and before rinsing. Fifteen adults with full dentures, in which demineralised enamel and dentine specimens had been mounted, were included in an in situ experimental caries model. Toothpicks or floss, impregnated with NaF and amine fluoride (AmF), were used regularly for four weeks. All the products inhibited continuous demineralisation – dental floss somewhat more than toothpicks. A reduction in plaque micro-organisms was also found. Recommendations made by dental staff in relation to approximal cleaning aids were evaluated by a questionnaire sent to 500 dentists, 500 dental hygienists and 1000 patients in Sweden. The ability to remove approximal plaque was also evaluated in 60 regular users of approximal aids. Recommendations by dental staff are mostly given to children and adolescents in order to prevent dental caries and to older individuals to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. Approximal plaque appears to be more easily removed by regular users of interdental brushes compared with the use of toothpicks and dental floss.

Quarter Horses drinking water artificially fluoridated at 0.9 to 1.1 ppm over long periods of time developed dental fluorosis. Even when the horses had not been exposed to artificially fluoridated water (AFW) during formation of enamel, brown discoloration occurred and progressed. Pronounced loss of tooth-supporting alveolar bone with recession of bone and gingiva was also present as more severe signs of chronic fluorosis than enamel changes alone. The scene of these events was a lowland part of Texas just above sea level. AFW at these low concentrations can obviously induce chronic fluorosis in its own right without the support of high altitude. With a change to low fluoride (0.1 ppm) well water, a remarkable improvement was observed in the general health of the horses in a very short time. Most notably, bothersome episodes of colic promptly ceased.