DIFFERENT TOOTHPASTES EFFECT ON THE WHOLE SALIVA IN SITU

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify a possible effect of fluoride and non-fluoride toothpaste on the crystallisation properties of whole saliva.

Methods: Several drops of saliva, collected from a patient, were placed on a glass and after drying in air were studied under a microscope. Two type of saliva crystallizes were assigned: I = centripetal and II – diffused (P. Leous, 1977). Forty medical students (60% females) aged 20- 25 years (mean 21.6) participated in this pilot study after giving consent and with approval of the Medical University Ethical Board. After general and oral health assessments, patients were divided into two study groups of 20 subjects. The “A” group did one month home toothbrushing with fluoridated (1450 ppm F-), and the “B” group with fluoride free toothpaste. Both toothpastes were commercially available. The saliva tests were performed 4 times: at baseline, after 1, 2 weeks and 1 month. Pearson Chi-square test for statistical analysis was used, set at p<0.05.

Results: Oral health data in “A” group: DMFT 6.8±0.99; OHI-S 0.75±0.08; GI 0.41±0.06; resting saliva secretion 0.22±0.02 ml/min; in “B” group DMFT 6.9±0.9; OHI-S 0.84±0.09; GI 0.32±0.05; resting saliva secretion 0.28±0.03. Differences between groups were not significant (p>0.05). In group “A” the type I saliva crystal was observed in 13 (65±10.7%) subjects initially, then it has increased to 17 (85±8.0%) of subjects in all three follow up tests (p<0.05); the type II has decreased from baseline of 7 (35±10.7%) to 3 (15±7.9%) subjects at the end of the project (p<0.05). In group “B” the number of subjects with the type I has reduced from 16 (80±8.9%) to 13 (65±10.7%) (p<0.05); the type II has increased from 4 (20±8.9%) to 7 (35±10.7%) subjects (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste promoted an increase in the centripetal type of saliva crystals, while fluoride free toothpaste has shown a reduction in centripetal saliva crystals.