Effects of a stannous fluoride-impregnated dental floss on in vivo salivary fluoride levels.

PURPOSE The aim of this in vivo pilot study was to determine the concentration of fluoride retained intra-orally in saliva after flossing with dental floss impregnated with stannous fluoride (SnF(2)). METHODS Participants flossed their teeth ad libitum with 2 premeasured lengths of fluoridated dental floss. Expectorated saliva samples were collected in vials before flossing (PF), immediately postflossing(IPF), at 30 minutes (30), and 1 hour (60) after flossing for analysis with a fluoride-specific electrode and an Orion millivoltmeter. Postflossing samples were compared to the preflossing samples using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD. RESULTS Differences between the PF and IPF group means were found to be statistically significant at p<0.01. No other significant differences were found between or among any of the groups. Salivary fluoride levels at 60 minutes (60) were similar to those prior to flossing (PF). CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that fluoride can be released from flossing with the tested SnF(2)-impregnated dental floss elevating salivary fluoride levels for at least 30 minutes. Use of this fluoride-containing dental floss offers an option for delivery of fluoride to individuals at risk for dental caries.