The effect of topical application with an organic and inorganic fluoride compound on the inhibition of dental plaque in humans.

Accumulation of dental plaque for 3 and 7 days respectively was determined by calculating the difference between the postcollection and precollection weights of enamel slabs attached to orthodontic bands cemented to the upper first molars of 3 subjects. Pretreatment of the enamel slabs with amine-fluoride or -chloride respectively-at an equivalent amine concentration-prevented plaque deposition on the slabs, whereas pretreatment with sodium monofluorophosphate was less effective. The fluoride concentrations of all fluoride-pretreated enamel slabs were similar. No convincing demonstration of significant differences between the treatments could be predicted in view of the discrepancy in results at the 3- and 7-day test periods.