Slow-release fluoride devices for the control of dental decay

Delivery of Low-Diluted Toothpaste during Brushing Improves Enamel Acid Resistance

Toothpaste viscosity decreases rapidly when diluted with saliva during brushing, potentially causing premature washout of high-risk caries areas and reducing the uptake of dental fluoride ions. However, no reports have examined the acid resistance of enamel from the perspective of the toothpaste's physical properties. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of toothpaste dilution on the acid resistance of the enamel, using bovine enamel as the subject. Five diluted toothpaste groups were created: a control group without toothpaste, and 100% (1.00×), 67% (1.50×), 50% (2.00×), and 25% (4.00×) dilution groups. Acid resistance was evaluated through pH cycling after toothpaste application. The results revealed a significant increase in substantial defects, compared to 67% (1.50×) at dilutions of 50% (2.00×) or higher, accompanied by a decrease in Vickers hardness. Moreover, the mineral loss increased with dilution, and a significant difference was observed between 67% (1.50×) and 50% (2.00×) (p < 0.01). This study revealed that the acid resistance of the enamel decreased when the dilution of toothpaste during brushing exceeded 67% (1.5×). Therefore, delivering toothpaste with a lower dilution to high-risk caries areas, including interproximal spaces and adjacent surfaces, could maintain a higher concentration of active ingredients in the toothpaste, thereby enhancing its medical effects.

Advanced materials for enamel remineralization

Dental caries, a chronic and irreversible disease caused by caries-causing bacteria, has been listed as one of the three major human diseases to be prevented and treated. Therefore, it is critical to effectively stop the development of enamel caries. Remineralization treatment can control the progression of caries by inhibiting and reversing enamel demineralization at an early stage. In this process, functional materials guide the deposition of minerals on the damaged enamel, and the structure and hardness of the enamel are then restored. These remineralization materials have great potential for clinical application. In this review, advanced materials for enamel remineralization were briefly summarized, furthermore, an outlook on the perspective of remineralization materials were addressed.

Prophylaxis of caries with fluoride for children under five years

We looked at existing recommendations and supporting evidence on the effectiveness and potential harms of the different fluoride interventions in preventing dental caries in children under 5 years of age.

We conducted a literature search up to the 12th of September 2019 by using key terms and manual search in selected sources. We summarized the recommendations and the strength of the recommendation when and as reported by the authors. We summarized the main findings of systematic reviews with the certainty of the evidence as reported.

Water fluoridation has been widely implemented worldwide for several decades and evidence shows it reduces the prevalence of dental caries. Salt or milk fluoridation are other collective fluoride interventions that are also effective to prevent dental caries in children. The evidence of effects of oral fluoride supplements for caries prevention is limited and inconsistent. The use of fluoride toothpastes has consistently been proven to be effective in the prevention of dental caries. The evidence for the effects of the different levels of fluoride concentration in toothpastes is more limited. Topical fluorides (gels and varnishes) are effective in preventing dental caries and are mainly recommended to children with high risk of dental caries. Early childhood intake of fluoride supplements and fluoride level of 0.7 ppm (ppm) in drinking water are associated with the risk of dental fluorosis, ranging from minor forms to severe forms that are of aesthetic concerns.

Prevalence of Dental Caries in 5- and 6-Year-Old Myanmar Children

There are no national data available of the oral health in Myanmar. In this study, we examined dental caries status of 187 school children located in the suburban area of Naypyidaw, capital of Myanmar, at the age of five and six and analyzed by the individual level and tooth level. Maxillary D and B were sensitive for dental caries almost at the same level. They were less sensitive than maxillary A. Mandibular A and B were tolerant for dental caries. Prevalence of dental caries in Myanmar children was still high. By applying item response theory and multilevel modeling, tooth level analysis can be implemented to confirm the tendency for sensitivity or tolerance for dental caries by the tooth level.