Slow-release fluoride glass devices: in vivo fluoride release and retention of the devices in children.

AIMS

To study the fluoride release and retention of new-shaped glass slow-release F devices (SRFD) in vivo in children.

METHODS

A group of 15 children had a SRFD with 17.4% or 14.8 mgm F with a relative solubility of 294, attached intra-orally on the buccal surface of one of their maxillary permanent molars. The devices were monitored for six months.

RESULTS

The retention rate of the devices was 93% and the mean salivary F levels in the child volunteers was 01.17+/-0.1 ppm F compared with 0.025 ppm F baseline levels. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.01). There were no systemic or local side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The devices were well tolerated by children and released fluoride intra-orally for the whole period of six months to a level consistent with inhibition of demineralisation.