The effect of acid and fluoride release on the antimicrobial properties of four glass ionomer cements.

Glass ionomer cements reportedly bond to tooth surfaces by physicochemical interaction and slowly release fluoride. 1 Two mechanisms are involved in fluoride release, a rapid surface elution and a slower bulk diffusion of fluoride ions. 2, 3 The greatest release of fluoride reportedly occurs in the first 24 hr, and then remains constant for several months before it tapers off after 2 years.4, 5 Such slow release of fluoride from silicate cements has been shown to have an anticariogenic effect.6, 7 dependent primarily on the longevity of the release, s Recent research also has reported an antimicrobial effect of glass ionomer cements in vitro 9 and in vivo.10, 11 The objectives of our in vitro experiments