In vitro investigation of the liberation of fluoride ions from toothpaste compounds in a permeation model

The most important requirement for effective topical fluoride prophylaxis from toothpaste containing fluoride is that the active fluoride agent must be chemically free, and the rapid spread of the dissolved fluoride ions over the tooth surface. Abrasive compounds in the toothpastes and the brief residence time at the site of action, the oral cavity and tooth surface must not prevent the liberation. Using a two-chamber diffusion cell and an ion-selective fluoride electrode, the content of fluoride ions in five different fluoride-containing toothpastes was determined by direct potentiometry as a function of time and the different abrasive compounds employed. The investigation has demonstrated that a reduction of the release rate of fluoride ions by nearly 50% is seen when calcium carbonate and calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate are used as abrasive compounds and combined with sodium fluoride. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.