Current status in oral fluoride pharmacokinetics and implications for the prophylaxis against dental caries

Fluoride plays a central role in the prevention of dental caries. There is evidence that its effect is mainly topical and that continuous presence of fluoride ions in low concentration at the plaque/enamel interface is essential. The present paper reviews the most important aspects of fluoride kinetics in the oral cavity and discusses their implications on preventive approaches to dental caries. As a continuous presence of fluoride ions in saliva is important for an optimum prophylactic effect, new formulations capable of delivering low levels of fluoride over prolonged periods of time have been developed. These systems consist either of intra-oral devices, or of restorative materials into which fluoride has been incorporated. Among all the preparations investigated, bioadhesive tablets and membrane-controlled reservoirs are the most promising.