Journal of Dental Research, Vol 63, 69-70, Copyright © 1984 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Oral fluoride retention with thixotropic and APF gels and foam-lined and unlined trays
E. J. LeCompte and L. K. Rubenstein
Ten child volunteers each received four topical fluoride applications using
different techniques. The amounts of fluoride applied, recovered from the
mouth, and retained in the mouth were calculated for each treatment. The
value of patient expectoration following topical F treatment was also
evaluated. The tray system with an absorptive liner significantly reduced
the amount of gross oral-retained fluoride (p less than 0.01).
Expectoration following topical treatment with either an APF or thixotropic
gel was a significant adjunct in reducing the net oral-retained F dose (p
less than 0.01). When expectoration is done following a topical F
treatment, a thixotropic gel may be an added advantage in reducing oral F
retention and ingestion. We recommend that suction devices be used during a
topical F treatment, but most importantly that the patient be requested to
expectorate thoroughly following topical treatment.
