Migration of fluoride ions from the permanent teeth into saliva in children with glass ionomer cement restorations: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND/AIM Glass ionomer cements (GIC) belong to the group of polycarboxyl cements, and one of the principal characteristics of these materials is their anticariogenic potential of fluorine release into saliva and enamel-dentin substance. The aim of this study was to examine the content of released fluorine from GIC restorations (Fuji IX, GC, Japan) of young permanent teeth in the medium of artificial saliva and similar releases in the same medium by the restorations of these teeth treated with a low concentration fluoride solution. METHODS We examined 12 premolars extracted from orthodontic reasons. The GIC restored teeth were divided into the group treated daily with low concentration fluoride solution (334 ppm) and the control, not treated group. The samples of artificial saliva were analyzed for fluorine ion content using an ion selective electrode. RESULTS Our comparative analysis of the mean values using the Student's t-test demonstrated a statistically significant difference in fluorine ion concentration in artificial saliva of fluoridated and non-fluoridated teeth with GIC fillings after 14 and 21 days (p < 0.05), while the difference detected after 7 days was with no statistical significance. CONCLUSION The results of this in vitro study indicated that low-concentration fluoride solutions could serve to refluoridate GIC fillings and contribute to an increased fluorine content in saliva. The process of refluoridation of GIC fillings should be advised 2-3 weeks after the restoration, since the release of fluorine from GIC fillings diminishes in time.