Plaque and saliva fluoride levels after placement of fluoride releasing pit and fissure sealants.

Rajtboriraks D, Nakornchai S, Bunditsing P, Surarit R, Iemjarern P. Pediatr Dent. 2004 Jan-Feb;26(1):63-6. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to investigate the fluoride levels in plaque and saliva before and after applying fluoride-containing pit and fissure sealants, and compare the fluoride release of 2 types of sealants at the different time intervals.

METHODS: Eighteen children ages 6 to 9 years were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group 1--sealant containing fluorosilicate glass (HeliosealF); and group 2--sealant containing methacryloyl fluoride-methyl methacrylate copolymer (Teethmate-F). Saliva and plaque samples were collected before and after the sealants were placed on their 4 first permanent molars. Fluoride levels were determined using the microdiffusion method. Fluoride concentrations before and after placing the sealants were analyzed by paired t test, and the fluoride concentrations between the 2 sealants were compared by t test, with the level of significance at 0.05.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference between salivary fluoride levels before and after sealant placement application in both groups. The plaque fluoride level of Helioseal-F group at 24 hours was significantly higher than the baseline level (P = .03), and was not different afterwards. The plaque fluoride levels after sealant with Teethmate-F were not significantly different when compared to the baseline. However, there were no significant differences between salivary and plaque fluoride levels of the 2 groups at different time intervals.

CONCLUSIONS: The groups sealed with sealant containing fluorosilicate glass showed significant increase of plaque fluoride level only at 24 hours after sealant placement.