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Objectives: This in vitro study aimed to analyze the effect of TiF(4) compared to NaF varnishes and solutions, to protect against dentin erosion associated with abrasion.Materials and Methods: Bovine dentin specimens were pre-treated with NaF-Duraphat (2.26% F), NaF/CaF(2)-Duofluorid (5.63% F), experimental-NaF (2.45% F), experimental-TiF(4) (2.45% F) and placebo varnishes; NaF (2.26% F) and TiF(4) (2.45% F) solutions. Controls remained untreated. The erosive pH cycling was performed using a soft drink (pH 2.6) 4 × 90 s/day and the toothbrushing-abrasion 2 × 10 s/day, in vitro for 5 days. Between the challenges, the specimens were exposed to artificial saliva. Dentin tissue loss was measured profilometrically (μm).Results: ANOVA/Tukey's test showed that all fluoridated varnishes (Duraphat, 7.5 ± 1.1; Duofluorid, 6.8 ± 1.1; NaF, 7.2 ± 1.9; TiF(4), 6.5 ± 1.0) were able to significantly reduce dentin tissue loss (40.7% reduction compared to control) when compared to placebo varnish (11.2 ± 1.3), control (11.8 ± 1.7) and fluoridated (NaF, 9.9 ± 1.8; TiF(4), 10.3 ± 2.1) solutions (p < 0.0001), which in turn did not significantly differ from each other.Conclusion: All fluoridated varnishes, but not the solutions, had a similar performance and a good potential to reduce dentin tissue loss under mild erosive and abrasive conditions in vitro. Risk patients for erosion and abrasion, especially those with exposed dentin, should benefit from this clinical preventive measure. Further research has to confirm this promising result in the clinical situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride intake of 2-6-year-old Brazilian children using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) which also estimated fluoride intake from dentifrice. METHODS: The FFQ was previously validated through application to 78 2-6-year-old Brazilian children and then administered to 379 children residing in an optimally fluoridated community in Brazil (Bauru, State of Sao Paulo). The FFQ was applied to the parents and used to estimate the food intake of the children. The constituents of the diet were divided into solids, water and other beverages. The fluoride content of the diet items was analyzed with the fluoride electrode. The questionnaire also estimated fluoride intake from dentifrice. RESULTS: The average (+/-SD) fluoride intake from solids, water, other beverages and dentifrice was 0.008 +/- 0.005; 0.011 +/- 0.004; 0.009 +/- 0.014 and 0.036 +/- 0.028 mg F/kg body weight/day, respectively, totalizing 0.064 +/- 0.035 mg F/kg body weight/day. The dentifrice and the diet contributed with 56.3% and 43.7% of the daily fluoride intake, respectively. Among the children evaluated, 31.2% are estimated to have risk to develop dental fluorosis (intake>0.07 mg F/kg body weight/day). CONCLUSIONS: The dentifrice was the main source of fluoride intake by the children evaluated. However, the fluoride concentration in food items also significantly contributed to the daily ingestion by 2-6-year-old children. The questionnaire used seems to be a promising alternative to duplicate diet to estimate the fluoride intake at this age range and may have potential to be used in broad epidemiological surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate in vivo 1) the bioavailability of trans-resveratrol when administered through sublingual capsules; 2) the effect of resveratrol on the protein composition of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP)., Design: Ten volunteers received a sublingual capsule containing 50 mg of trans-resveratrol. Unstimulated saliva was then collected after 0, 30, 60, and 120 min and AEP was collected after 120 min following administration of the capsule. In the next week, the volunteers received a placebo sublingual capsule, and saliva and AEP were collected again. Saliva samples were analyzed for free trans-resveratrol using high-performance liquid chromatopgraphy (HPLC), and AEP samples were subjected to proteomic analysis (nLC-ESI-MS/MS)., Results: Trans-resveratrol was detected in saliva at all the time points evaluated, with the peak at 30 min. A total of 242 proteins were identified in both groups. Ninety-six proteins were increased and 23 proteins were decreased in the Resveratrol group. Among the up-regulated proteins, isoforms of cystatins, PRPs, Mucin-7, Histatin-1, Lactotrasnferrin and Lysozyme-C were increased and the isoforms of Protein S100, Neutrophil defensins, Albumin, PRPs, and, Statherin were decreased in Resveratrol group., Conclusion: The sublingual capsule is effective at increasing the bioavailability of trans-resveratrol in saliva. Several proteins involved in important processes to maintain systemic and oral health homeostasis were identified. These proteins differently expressed due to the presence of trans-resveratrol deserve attention for future studies, since they have important functions, mainly related to antimicrobial action., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of administration of trans-resveratrol-containing orodispersible tablets on the protein composition of the AEP and on blood plasma trans-resveratrol concentrations., Methods: Ten volunteers participated in two crossover double-blind phases. In each phase, after dental prophylaxis, they received a trans-resveratrol (15 mg) orodispersible tablet, or a placebo tablet (without actives). The AEP formed after 120 min was collected with electrode filter papers soaked in 3 % citric acid. Blood samples were collected 30, 45, 60 and 120 min after the use of the tablet. After protein extraction, AEP samples were analyzed by shotgun labelfree quantitative proteomics and plasma samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)., Results: Eight hundred and two proteins were identified in the AEP. Among them, 336 and 213 were unique to the trans-resveratrol and control groups, respectively, while 253 were common to both groups. Proteins with important functions in the AEP had increased expression in the trans-resveratroltreated group, such as neutrophil defensins, S100 protein isoforms, lysozyme C, cystatin-D, mucin-7, alphaamylase, albumin, haptoglobin and statherin. Trans-resveratrol was detected in the plasma at all the times evaluated, with the peak at 30 min., Conclusions: The administration of trans-resveratrol in sublingual orodispersible tablets was effective both to increase the bioavailability of the polyphenol and the expression of antibacterial and acid-resistant proteins in the AEP, which might benefit oral and general health., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) are promising therapeutic agents in facial rejuvenation since they are a great source of cytokines, growth factors and other biologically active substances. Obtained from the patient's blood, they have the advantages of reducing immunological reactions, making the procedure safer, well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects and lower cost. Currently, they are used for facial rejuvenation both in combination with microneedling and in mesotherapy techniques, as well as to treat facial acne scars, melasma and wounds after laser ablative treatments. This review summarizes current knowledge on the use of APCs, ranging from basic concepts related to their composition and mechanisms of action to up-to-date information on their clinical efficacy., Methodology: MEDLINE (PubMed) was searched from inception through 2021 for English language publications on APCs for facial rejuvenation., Results: A total of 100 files were found. Based on the available literature, APCs for skin rejuvenation are safe and well tolerated. The most studied product is the first-generation material, platelet-rich plasma (PRP)., Conclusions: The results are in general favorable, but the quality of the studies is low. The second and third generation products, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF), respectively, are easier to be obtained and, at least in vitro , seem to induce greater collagen production than PRP, especially under lower relative centrifugation forces, but to date only a few clinical trials evaluating these products exist. More high-quality trials with appropriate follow-up are necessary to provide adequate evidence that may help to improve the treatment regimens with APCs. Many aspects should be considered when designing clinical trials to evaluate APCs, such as the patients' characteristics that best predict a favorable response, the optimal number of sessions and the interval between them, the characteristics of the studies and the development of better instruments to evaluate skin aging.

The initial characteristics of white spot lesion (WSLs), such as the degree of integrated mineral loss (ΔZ), depth and pattern of mineral distribution, have an impact on further demineralization and remineralization. However, these lesion parameters have not been evaluated in WSLs produced from microcosm biofilms., Objective: This study characterized artificial white spot lesions produced on human enamel under microcosm biofilm for different experimental periods., Methodology: In total, 100 human enamel specimens (4x4mm) were assigned to 5 distinct groups (n=20/group) differing according to the period of biofilm formation (2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 days). Microcosm biofilm was produced on the specimens from a mixture of human and McBain saliva at the first 8h. Enamel samples were then exposed to McBain saliva containing 0.2% sucrose. WSLs formed were characterized by quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) and transverse microradiography (TMR). Data were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests (p<0.05)., Results: A clear time-response pattern was observed for both analyses, but TMR was able to better discriminate among the lesions. Regarding QLF analysis, median (95%CI; %) changes in fluorescence ∆Z were -7.74(-7.74:-6.45)a, -8.52(-8.75:-8.00)ab, -9.17(-10.00:-8.71)bc, -9.58(-10.53:-8.99)bc and -10.01(-11.44:-9.72)c for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days, respectively. For TMR, median (95%CI; vol%.µm) ∆Z were 1410(1299-1479)a, 2420(2327-2604)ab, 2775(2573-2899)bc, 3305(3192-3406)cd and 4330(3972-4465)d, whereas mean (SD; µm) lesion depth were 53.7(12.3)a, 71.4(12.0)a, 103.8(24.8)b, 130.5(27.2)bc, 167.2(39.3)c for 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 days, respectively., Conclusion: The progression of WSLs formed on human enamel under microcosm biofilm can be characterized over 2-10 days, both by QLF and TMR analyses, although the latter provides better discrimination among the lesions.

This study evaluated the combination of a sugarcane cystatin (CaneCPI-5) and sodium fluoride (NaF) in acquired pellicle engineering for the prevention of dental erosion in vitro. Seventy-five human enamel specimens were prepared and divided into 5 treatment groups (n = 15/group): Deionized water (Control); Elmex™ (SnCl2/NaF/AmF); 0.1 mg/mL CaneCPI-5; 500 ppm NaF; and CaneCPI-5+NaF (Combination). The specimens were individually treated (200 μL; 2 min; 37°C), then incubated in human saliva (200 μL; 1 h, at 37°C) for acquired pellicle formation. Afterward, the specimens were submitted to an erosive challenge (1% citric acid [CR], pH 3.6, 10 mL, 2 min, 25 °C). This sequence was conducted 5 times. Percentage of surface microhardness change (%SMC), relative surface reflection intensity (rSRI), and calcium released to the CR were measured and analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). In general, all the treatments (SnCl2/NaF/AmF, CaneCPI-5, NaF, and Combination) significantly protected the enamel when compared the control group. Regarding %SMC and rSRI, the Combination was the most effective treatment, reducing the %SMC significantly (p < 0.01) when compared to all the other treatments, although this difference was not significant in the CR analysis. All treatments demonstrated a protective effect on enamel against dental erosion; however, the combination of CaneCPI-5 with NaF showed a greater protection., (© 2022 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Fluoride (F) at micromolar (µM) concentrations induces apoptosis in several cell lines. Moreover, proteomic studies have shown major changes in the profile of proteins involved in signal transduction. These effects may negatively affect ion transport in the kidneys. The activity of epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) is a limiting factor for sodium and water resorption in the kidneys, which is essential for the maintenance of the electrolyte balance and homeostasis of the body. Here we investigated the effects of F, at different concentrations (10, 40, 100, 200, and 400 μM), on the viability of renal epithelial cells (M-1), and ENaC expression. We showed that sodium fluoride (NaF) reduces cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner ( p  < 0.05) up to a 96-h time-point when compared to control. Sodium fluoride at moderate concentrations (100 and 200 μM), upregulated the ENaC subunit genes Scnn1a and Scnn1g, but not Scnn1b. Sodium fluoride downregulated all three ENaC subunit genes at a higher concentration of 400 μM ( p  < 0.05). Immunofluorescence analysis showed that Scnn1a and Scnn1g expression was decreased within 24 h of NaF treatment. After 48 h, NaF (400 μM) increased the expression of Scnn1a but not Scnn1g. However, NaF decreased the expression of Scnn1g at all studied concentrations. We conclude that F, at µM concentrations, modulates the expression of ENaC subunit genes, which is likely to significantly affect molecular signaling in kidney epithelial cells.

Objectives: To compare in vitro the effect of a toothpaste containing fluoride (F), calcium silicate (CaSi) and sodium phosphate salts to conventional toothpaste (NaF) on human enamel specimens submitted to erosive and abrasive challenges., Methods: 48 sound and 48 enamel samples pre-treated with 1% citric acid were divided into 4 groups (n = 12): Group 1- Non-fluoride toothpaste; Group 2- NaF toothpaste (1450 ppmF); Group 3- CaSi toothpaste (1450 ppmF; MFP); Group 4- Erosion only. The samples were subjected to pH cycling (3 cycles/day; 90s; 1% citric acid, pH 3.6) and to abrasion for 7 days. After the 1 st and the last cycle, they were submitted to abrasion (15s, 1.5N load), using a brushing machine, soft toothbrush and toothpaste slurry (1:3; 15ml/sample) and then immersed in the slurry for 45s. Samples were immersed in artificial saliva between the challenges. Enamel loss was evaluated using profilometry on days 3 and 7. Data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05)., Results: For sound enamel at baseline, mean (±SD) enamel loss (μm) for groups 1-4 on day 3 was 2.15 ± 0.35 a , 1.20 ± 0.22 b , 0.95 ± 0.19 b and 1.98 ± 0.32 a ; on day 7 was 3.05 ± 0.40 a , 2.07 ± 0.32 b , 1.36 ± 0.33 c and 3.69 ± 0.27 d respectively. For acid-softened enamel at baseline, enamel loss on day 3 was 3.16 ± 0.19 a , 2.17 ± 0.14 b , 1.70 ± 0.11 c and 3.04 ± 0.19 a ; on day 7 was 3.92 ± 0.25 a , 3.07 ± 0.13 b , 2.09 ± 0.15 c and 3.87 ± 0.25 a respectively., Conclusions: Both F toothpastes led to significantly higher enamel protection from short-term erosion and abrasion in comparison to the non-F toothpaste and erosion only. In the longer term, CaSi toothpaste conferred significantly higher protection than NaF toothpaste., Clinical Significance: The results showed that for the longer term the CaSi toothpaste provided significantly higher protection than the NaF toothpaste, which indicates a good potential of the former to help prevent erosive tooth wear., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following conflict of interests: Dr Andrew Joiner works at Unilever. Unilever holds a patent on NR5 technology., (© 2021 The Authors.)

The effect of solutions and gels containing a sugarcane-derived cystatin (CaneCPI-5) on the protection against enamel and dentin erosion in vitro was evaluated. Bovine enamel and dentin specimens were divided into 2 groups (n = 135 and 153/group for enamel and dentin, respectively) that were treated with solutions or chitosan gels containing 0.1 or 0.25 mg/mL CaneCPI-5. The positive controls for solutions and gels were Elmex Erosion Protection™ solution and NaF gel (12,300 ppm F), respectively. Deionized water and chitosan gel served as controls, respectively. The solutions were first applied on the specimens for 1 min and the gels for 4 min. Stimulated saliva was collected from 3 donors and used to form a 2-h acquired pellicle on the specimens. Then, the specimens were submitted to an erosive pH cycling protocol 4 times/day for 7 days (0.1% citric acid pH 2.5/90 s, artificial saliva/2 h, and artificial saliva overnight). The solutions and gels were applied again during pH cycling, 2 times/day for 1 min and 4 min, respectively, after the first and last erosive challenges. Enamel and dentin losses (µm) were assessed by contact profilometry. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). All the treatments significantly reduced enamel and dentin loss in comparison with controls. Both CaneCPI-5 concentrations had a similar protective effect against enamel erosion, but only the higher concentration was as effective against dentin erosion as the positive control. Regarding the vehicles, only the 0.1 mg/mL gel performed worse than the positive control for dentin. CaneCPI-5 reduced enamel and dentin erosion to a similar extent as the fluoride-containing vehicles. However, dentin requires higher CaneCPI-5 concentrations, in the case of gels. Solutions or gels containing CaneCPI-5 might be a new approach to protect against dental erosion., (© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: This in vitro study evaluated the effect of commercial whitening dentifrices on erosive tooth wear (ETW) of bovine enamel samples, in comparison with commercial regular dentifrices., Methodology: Sixty bovine crowns were embedded in acrylic resin, polished and then had their baseline profile determined. They were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n=12/group), according to the type of commercial dentifrice to be tested: GI - Crest Anti-cavity Regular; GII - Crest 3D White; GIII - Colgate Total 12 Clean Mint; GIV - Colgate Optic White; GV - Placebo (negative control, fluoride-free dentifrice). The samples were submitted to daily erosive and abrasive challenges for 3 days. The erosive challenges were performed 3 times a day by immersing the specimens in 0.1% citric acid solution (pH 2.5) for 90 s. Each day after the first and last erosive challenges, the specimens were subjected to the abrasive challenge for 15 s, using a toothbrushing machine (Biopdi, São Carlos, SP, Brazil), soft toothbrushes and slurry (1:3 g/ml) of the tested toothpastes (1.5 N). The specimens were kept in artificial saliva between the challenges. The final profile was obtained and the ETW (µm) was calculated. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (p<0.05)., Results: All dentifrices tested significantly reduced the enamel wear in comparison with the Placebo, except GIII. The median (95% CI) ETW was 1.35 (1.25-1.46)bc for GI, 1.17 (1.01-1.34)cd for GII, 1.36 (1.28-1.45)ab for GIII, 1.08 (1.04-1.14)d for GIV and 2.28 (2.18-2.39)a for GV., Conclusion: When dentifrices from the same manufacturer were compared, the whitening dentifrices led to similar or less wear than the regular ones.

Fluoride exposure is widespread, with drinking water commonly containing natural and artificially added sources of the ion. Ingested fluoride undergoes absorption across the gastric and intestinal epithelia. Previous studies have reported adverse gastrointestinal effects with high levels of fluoride exposure. Here, we examined the effects of fluoride on the transepithelial ion transport and resistance of three intestinal epithelia. We used the Caco-2 cell line as a model of human intestinal epithelium, and rat and mouse colonic epithelia for purposes of comparison. Fluoride caused a concentration-dependent decline in forskolin-induced Cl - secretion and transepithelial resistance of Caco-2 cell monolayers, with an IC 50 for fluoride of about 3 mM for both parameters. In the presence of 5 mM fluoride, transepithelial resistance fell exponentially with time, with a t 1/2 of about 7 hours. Subsequent imaging by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy showed structural abnormalities in Caco-2 cell monolayers exposed to fluoride. The Young's modulus of the epithelium was not affected by fluoride, although proteomic analysis revealed changes in expression of a number of proteins, particularly those involved in cell-cell adhesion. In line with its effects on Caco-2 cell monolayers, fluoride, at 5 mM, also had profound effects on Cl - secretion and transepithelial resistance of both rat and mouse colonic epithelia. Our results show that treatment with fluoride has major effects on the structure, function, and proteome of intestinal epithelia, but only at concentrations considerably higher than those likely to be encountered in vivo, when much lower fluoride doses are normally ingested on a chronic basis., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

High concentrations of fluoride in the body may cause toxic effects. Here, we investigated the effects of fluoride on the structure, function, and proteome of a cortical collecting duct epithelium in vitro. Kidney tubule cells (M-1) were chosen because the concentration of fluoride in the kidney is 4-5-fold higher than that in plasma. Mouse M-1 cell monolayers were incubated in fluoride-containing media, and the amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current and transepithelial resistance were measured. The Young's modulus of the epithelium was determined using atomic force microscopy, and the effect of fluoride on epithelial structure was assessed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence. Differences in the expression of membrane proteins were evaluated using proteomics and bioinformatics. Fluoride exposure reduced both transepithelial Na + transport and resistance. The IC 50 for fluoride was ∼300 µM for both effects, and the half-times for the decays of ion transport and resistance were 8.4 h and 3.6 days, respectively. Fluoride treatment did not affect the sensitivity of Na + transport to amiloride. The Young's modulus of the epithelium was also unaffected by fluoride; however, the functional effects of fluoride were accompanied by marked structural effects. Proteomic analysis revealed changes in expression of a number of proteins, and particularly mitochondrial proteins. Treatment with fluoride had profound effects on the structure, function and proteome of a model cortical collecting duct epithelium. Significantly, however, these effects were produced only at concentrations considerably higher than those likely to be encountered in vivo. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1455-1467, 2017., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objective: Test the ability of acidic fluoridated solutions to enhance fluoride (F) bound on bacteria (1) and the effect of dentifrice consistency on plaque fluid F uptake (2)., Methods: (1) Streptococcus mutans isolates were grown in BHI medium (37°C/18h). Bacteria were washed either with EDTA or CaCl2 both at 1mM to remove or add calcium, respectively. Pellets were incubated with 12 mM NaF at pH 4.5 or 7 for 1 min and F was quantified in the lysates and supernatants with the electrode, after HMDS-facilitated diffusion. (2) A randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial was performed in three phases with nineteen adults (20-35 years) that used one of the dentifrices: commercial toothpaste (1100 ppm F, pH7.0 and conventional viscosity (Sorriso Fresh(®))); experimental liquid dentifrice (ELD) (1100 ppm F, pH7.0 and low viscosity [1.1% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)]) and ELD (1100 ppm F and high viscosity pH7.0 (2.2% CMC)). F concentration in plaque fluid was analyzed using an inverted F electrode., Results: (1) Significantly higher F amounts were detected in the lysates of bacteria incubated with NaF solution at pH4.5 compared to the supernatant, which was not seen at pH7.0, being this effect calcium-dependent. (2) Significantly higher F concentrations in plaque fluid were found 1h after toothbrushing compared to 12h, but no significant differences were seen among the toothpastes., Conclusions: F at low pH binds more efficiently to S. mutans than at neutral pH and dentifrice viscosity does not interfere in plaque fluid fluoride incorporation., Clinical Significance: pH of the dentifrice but not consistency may be important to F uptake in plaque., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This in situ/ex vivo study analysed the anti-erosive/abrasive effect of TiF4 and NaF varnish and solution on enamel wear., Materials and Methods: Twelve subjects took part in this study which was performed in three periods (phases) with the duration of 5 days each. Each two human enamel specimens per subject were pretreated with experimental NaF varnish or solution (phase A), experimental-TiF4 varnish or solution (phase B) and placebo varnish or untreated control (phase C). The specimens were worn in palatal appliances; one enamel specimen, from each treatment, was subjected to erosion (ERO; cola soft drink, 4 × 90 s/day), and the other specimen was subjected to erosion plus abrasion (ERO + ABR; tooth brushing, 2 × 10 s/day). The tooth wear was quantified by a contact profilometer (micrometre) and analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni's test (n = 12 subjects, p < 0.05)., Results: All fluoride varnishes and solutions reduced the enamel wear (around 25 %) significantly compared to the control and placebo varnish. There were no significant differences among the fluoride formulations and between the conditions ERO and ERO + ABR., Conclusions: Therefore, it can be concluded that TiF4 has the same protective potential as NaF formulations to reduce human enamel wear under this experimental in situ model., Clinical Significance: In vitro studies have indicated a better anti-erosive/abrasive effect of TiF4 compared to NaF varnish. The present in situ study does not support the previous findings. Therefore, any of the tested professional fluoride varnishes in principle could be able to partially reduce enamel wear.

Objectives: This in vitro study assessed the effect of milk containing different fluoride concentrations on tooth erosion., Methods: Bovine enamel and root dentine specimens were treated with: (1) bovine whole milk with 0ppm F; (2) 2.5ppm F; (3) 5ppm F; (4) 10ppm F (all after erosion); (5) whole milk with 0ppm F (before erosion); (6) NaF (0.05% F, positive control, after erosion) or (7) 0.9% NaCl (negative control, after erosion). The specimens were submitted to pH cycles (4× 90s in soft drink) and treatments for 5 days. The specimens were immersed in the treatment solutions for 1min (only at the first cycle each day) with further exposition to 1:1 milk:saliva slurry for 10min. The tooth loss was measured using a contact profilometer and statistically analysed (p<0.05)., Results: Rinsing with milk before erosive challenge significantly reduced tooth loss compared to negative control (67% and 24% reduction in dentine and enamel loss, respectively) and to milk after erosive challenge, only for dentine. The addition of fluoride to milk also reduced tooth loss compared to negative control, but with no significant differences among fluoride concentrations for enamel and dentine (μm), respectively: 0ppm (3.63±0.04 and 2.51±0.53), 2.5ppm F (2.86±0.42 and 1.96±0.47), 5ppm F (2.81±0.27 and 1.77±0.44), 10ppm F (2.03±0.49 and 1.68±0.59). There was a negative and significant correlation between [F] and the tooth loss., Conclusions: Daily rinse with milk containing F is able to reduce both enamel and dentine erosion in vitro., Clinical Significance: Since the prevalence of dental erosion is steadily increasing, rinse with milk or its derivate might be an important strategy to reduce the progression of tooth erosion., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Estimating fluoride intake (FI) using the 'duplicate plate' method is difficult and can raise ethical dilemmas., Aim: To apply a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to 2- to 6-year-old Brazilian children in a non-fluoridated area (i) to estimate their FI and (ii) to provide additional validity to the questionnaire by comparing the results obtained with those found previously in a fluoridated municipality., Design: The FFQ was administered to parents of 398 children residing in a non-fluoridated community. Constituents of the diet were divided into solids, water and other beverages and their fluoride content was analysed with the electrode. Data were analysed using unpaired t-test., Results: The mean (±SD) FIs from solids, water and other beverages were 0.009 ± 0.004, 0.001 ± 0.001 and 0.007 ± 0.007 mg F/kg body weight/day, respectively, totalling 0.017 ± 0.009 mg F/kg body weight/day. Total FI from food/beverage items ingested in the non-fluoridated area was significantly lower than that observed in a study previously conducted in a fluoridated area (P < 0.0001)., Conclusions: This result reinforces the use of the FFQ as a promising alternative to duplicate diet in order to estimate FI in children in this age range, with potential application in broad epidemiological surveys., (© 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd, BSPD and IAPD.)

Fractional fluoride retention is important during the early years of life when considering the risk of development of dental fluorosis. This study aimed to measure fractional fluoride retention in young children. The objectives were to investigate the relationships between fractional fluoride retention and total daily fluoride intake, age, and body mass index (BMI). Twenty-nine healthy children, up to 4 yr of age, participated; 14 lived in a fluoridated area (0.64 μg ml(-1) of fluoride in drinking water) and 15 lived in a non-fluoridated area (0.04 μg ml(-1) of fluoride in drinking water). The total daily fluoride intake of each child was calculated from the daily dietary fluoride intake and toothpaste ingestion (if fluoride toothpaste was used). Total daily fluoride excretion was measured by collecting voided urine and faeces over a 24-h period, and fractional fluoride retention was calculated by dividing the amount of fluoride retained in the body (total daily fluoride intake minus total daily fluoride excretion) by the total daily fluoride intake. Nine children were excluded from data analysis because of suspected invalid samples. Mean (range) fractional fluoride retention for the remaining 20 children was 0.61 (0.06-0.98). There were no statistically significant correlations between fractional fluoride retention and either age or BMI. However, fractional fluoride retention was correlated with total daily fluoride intake: fractional fluoride retention = 1 - exp (-C × total daily fluoride intake), where C = 28.75 (95% CI = 19.75-37.75). The wide variation in fluoride retention in young children could have important implications when recommendations for fluoride use are being considered., (© 2013 Eur J Oral Sci.)

OBJECTIVE. Previous in vitro study has shown that TiF(4) varnish might reduce enamel erosion. No data regarding the effect of this experimental varnish on enamel erosion plus abrasion, however, are available so far. Thus, this in vitro study aimed to analyse the effect of TiF(4) compared with NaF varnishes and solutions, to protect against enamel erosion with or without abrasion. METHODS. Enamel specimens were pre-treated with experimental-TiF(4) (2.45% F), experimental-NaF (2.45% F), NaF-Duraphat (2.26% F), and placebo varnishes; NaF (2.26% F) and TiF(4) (2.45% F) solutions. Controls remained untreated. The erosive challenge was performed using a soft drink (pH 2.6) 4 × 90 s/day (ERO) and the toothbrushing abrasion (ERO+ABR) 2 × 10 s/day, for 5 days. Between the challenges, the specimens were exposed to artificial saliva. Enamel loss was measured profilometrically (μm). RESULTS. Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests showed that all fluoridated varnishes (TiF(4) -ERO:0.53 ± 0.20, ERO+ABR:0.65 ± 0.19/NaF-ERO:0.94 ± 0.18, ERO+ABR:1.74 ± 0.37/Duraphat-ERO:1.00 ± 0.37, ERO+ABR:1.72 ± 0.58) were able to significantly reduce enamel loss when compared with placebo varnish (ERO:3.45 ± 0.41/ERO+ABR:3.20 ± 0.66) (P < 0.0001). Placebo varnish, control (ERO:2.68 ± 0.53/ERO+ABR:3.01 ± 0.34), and fluoridated (NaF-ERO:2.84 ± 0.09/ERO+ABR:2.40 ± 0.21/TiF(4) -ERO:3.55 ± 0.59/ERO+ABR:4.10 ± 0.38) solutions did not significantly differ from each other. CONCLUSION. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the TiF(4) varnish seems to be a promising treatment to reduce enamel loss under mild erosive and abrasive conditions in vitro., (© 2011 The Authors. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry © 2011 BSPD, IAPD and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

Objectives: This in vitro study aimed to analyse the effect of a single application of TiF(4) and NaF varnishes and solutions to protect against dentin erosion., Methods: Bovine root dentin samples were pre-treated with NaF-Duraphat varnish (2.26%F, pH 4.5), NaF/CaF(2)-Duofluorid varnish (5.63%F, pH 8.0), NaF-experimental varnish (2.45%F, pH 4.5), TiF(4)-experimental varnish (2.45%F, pH 1.2), NaF solution (2.26%F, pH 4.5), TiF(4) solution (2.45%F, pH 1.2) and placebo varnish (pH 5.0, no-F varnish control). Controls remained untreated. Ten samples in each group were then subjected to an erosive demineralisation (Sprite Zero, 4x 90s/day) and remineralisation (artificial saliva, between the erosive cycles) cycling for 5 days. Dentin loss was measured profilometrically after pre-treatment and after 1, 3 and 5 days of de-remineralisation cycling. The data were statistically analysed by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test (p<0.05)., Results: After pre-treatment, TiF(4) solution significantly induced surface loss (1.08+/-0.53 microm). Only Duraphat reduced the dentin loss overtime, but it did not significantly differ from placebo varnish (at 3rd and 5th days) and TiF(4) varnish (at 3rd day)., Conclusions: Duraphat varnish seems to be the best option to partially reduce dentin erosion. However, the maintenance of the effects of this treatment after successive erosive challenges is limited., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Fluoride has been widely used in dentistry as a caries prophylactic agent. However, there has been some speculation that excess fluoride could cause an impact on genome integrity. In the current study, the potential DNA damage associated with exposure to fluoride was assessed in cells of blood, liver, kidney, thyroid gland and urinary bladder by the single cell gel (comet) assay. Male Wistar rats aging 75 days were distributed into seven groups: Groups 1 (control), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 received 0 (deionized water), 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mgF/Kg body weight from sodium fluoride (NaF), respectively, by gastrogavage. These groups were killed at 2 h after the administration of the fluoride doses. The level of DNA strand breaks did not increase in all organs evaluated and at all doses of NaF tested, as depicted by the mean tail moment. Taken together, our results suggest that oral exposure to NaF did not result in systemic genotoxic effect in multiple organs related to fluoride toxicity. Since DNA damage is an important step in events leading to carcinogenesis, this study represents a relevant contribution to the correct evaluation of the potential health risk associated with chemical exposure.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of dental fluorosis in scholars aging 12 to 15 years old, residents in the city of Bauru, State of São Paulo, Brazil., Methods: 1318 volunteers were enrolled in this study and examined in 18 public schools of the State of São Paulo. The examinations were performed in the schools' court by three dentists (with a Master's degree in Public Health), after toothbrushing supervised by another dentist. The teeth were dried with cotton pellets and examined under natural light by visual inspection, using an explorer as recommended by the WHO, a plane mirror and a tongue depressor. The Thylstrup-Fejerskov (TF) index was used for rating fluorosis. Intra and inter-examiner reproducibility was calculated and data were submitted to descriptive analysis., Results: Approximately 36% of the children presented dental fluorosis, of which 28% was diagnosed as TF1 while the remaining received scores between TF2 and TF4., Conclusion: The prevalence of dental fluorosis in Bauru is within the expected range, based on previous studies. Although fluoride is an important resource for caries control, its use must be adequate to the needs of each specific population.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of fluoride supplied daily in the meals given in 44 public kindergarten schools in Bauru, Brazil. In addition, the fluoride concentration of water supplies and its impact on the amount of fluoride found in the meal samples were also investigated., Methods: Meal samples and water were collected during 2 weeks (10 working days) in public kindergarten schools. Samples of meals were homogenized with known volumes of deionized water. Fluoride present in meal samples was analyzed with the ion-specific electrode (Orion 9609), after hexamethyldisilazane-facilitated diffusion. Fluoride in water samples was analyzed with the same electrode, after buffering with TISAB II. All the analyses were made in duplicate., Results: Fluoride analyzed (mean+/-SD) was 0.50+/-0.20 microg/ml, ranging from nondetectable to 1.42 microg/ml for water samples (n=424) and 0.067+/-0.059 mg, ranging from 0.007 to 0.580 mg for meal samples (n=431). A weak but significant correlation was observed between the amount of fluoride in meals and fluoride concentration in water supplies (r=0.139, P=0.0042)., Conclusions: Despite the seemingly small role played by school meals in the total daily fluoride intake, they can contribute to the total fluoride intake of children on a chronic basis, when in association with other fluoride products. Additionally, the impact of fluoridated public water supply on the final fluoride concentration of the school meals analyzed may be regarded as low.

Two basic premises of Brazil's Community Health Agents Program (PACS) are to value the family and community to which the program belongs and to encourage their participation in health promotion and disease prevention. This study focused on the work developed by PACS in Bauru, São Paulo State, as perceived by the community health agents and the families served by them. As the study's point of departure, 22 community health agents and 22 representatives of families were interviewed, randomly selected according to residential micro-areas. Two focus groups were formed according to the PACS to which the community agents and families belonged. Qualitative analysis of the answers demonstrated agreement between the perceptions by community health agents and the community in the two focus groups. However, the two focus groups differed from each other. Distinct realities were observed in the two communities, thereby orienting new program actions and handling of local difficulties.

The blood titers of IgG, IgA and IgM and total proteins were determined in October 1971 (dry season) and again in April 1972 (wet season) among girls and boys belonging to 4 ethnic groups: White, Bantu, Indian, Mixed. Parasitic studies were also done. These studies indicate a rise of IgM among the girls and of IgA in both sexes from October 1971 to April 1972. The average IgM titer among the four groups is higher than the one found in the Occident. This is especially notable for the Bantu and the Mixed. The Indian levels exceeded, on the average, the White group's. The average IgG figures are only slightly higher than those found in the literature for Western populations. Genetic influences do not appear to explain the differences found between the ethnic groups. The role of environment is stressed, and parasitic influences are discussed.

The serum levels of IgG, IgA and IgM as well as total proteins were followed from birth to one year of age in a sample of 44 infants. Values for a 'healthy' population are presented. The results of correlation analysis question current views on the independence of the different immunoglobulin classes.

Successive evaluations of diphtheritic (AD) and tetanic antitoxin have been made from birth to twelve months in infants receiving at 3, 4 and 5 months an immunization with antidiphtheritic, antitetanic and absorbed antimeasles vaccine. The decrease of AD of maternal origin is not, contrary to common opinion, regularly exponential. Factors influencing the elimination of AD from maternal origin are discussed. An important decrease is often observed after the first immunizing infection. AD level evolution is independent from that to IgG but there is a correspondence at birth in mother and infant between the highest values of AD and the lowest values of total proteides. The commonly observed existence of AD in mother blood indicates the persistence in Maputo of a strong diphteric endemy, and this justifies the association of the antidiphtheritic vaccination to the antitetanic one. After immunization, high levels of antibodies are always reached for tetanic antitoxin and a little less, regularly, for AD. High levels of AD are more frequent in infants having demonstrated no infectious symptoms. Towards the end of the first year, antibodies levels frequently decrease. From these findings possible ways are discussed for immunizing infants in Africa with antitoxins.

The evolution of the titers of transmitted IgG and diphtheria antitoxin was studied in 20 neonates during the first 2 months of life (6 serum samples for each). A rapid fall of the passive IgG titer was observed during the first weeks: as a rule the higher the initial titer the greater the fall. After the 15th day the rate of decline slows down. The evolution of the titer of transmitted maternal diphtheria antitoxin depends also on the initial level, and if it is low it can remain more or less constant for a long time. The initial level of passive IgG does not influence the drop in diphtheria antitoxin titre and vice versa. Therefore, the evolution of total IgG and diphtheria antitoxin levels appear not to be interdependent.