Evaluation of Fluoride Prophylaxis Pastes

The fluoride (F) uptake from two commercial prophylaxis pastes and a newly formulated prophylaxis paste was compared. The enamel fluoride uptake of 26 extracted sound human molars was measured using an acid etch biopsy method. The F uptakes in ppm (mean +/- SEM) for the control prophy pastes (C), Zircate treatment paste (Z), an APF paste (Nuppro,A), and a new experimental paste (N) were 1145 +/- 65,1245 +/- 72,1857 +/- 296, and 1841 +/- 321, respectively. The enamel biopsy depths in micrometers (mean +/- S.D.) for the control, Zircate APF pastes, and Newpaste were 6.64 +/- 1.75, 7.4 +/- 2.32, 6.55 +/- 2.23 and 7.69 +/- 1.80. The Newpaste appeared to give a significantly higher fluride uptake than Zircate and control pastes, but was very similar to an APF paste.