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Intraoral Fluoride-Releasing Devices: A Literature Review

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350

JAYPEE
Ramandeep Singh Gambhir et al
REVIEW ARTICLE
Intraoral Fluoride-Releasing Devices: A Literature Review
Ramandeep Singh Gambhir, Daljit Kapoor, Gurminder Singh, Jagjit Singh, Heena Kakar
10.5005/jp-journals-10015-1188
ABSTRACT
Dental caries still continues to be a problem for majority of the
individuals and it can be a serious problem for medically
compromised, developmentally disabled and elderly individuals.
Water fluoridation, systemic and topical fluorides are used for
past many years to supply supplemental fluoride in order to
combat dental caries. The latest fluoride research is investigating
the use of slow-release devices for the long-term intraoral
provision of fluoride. The present review addresses two main
types of intraoral fluoride-releasing devices like the copolymer
membrane device, glass device containing fluoride and some
variations of these devices. These devices can significantly
increase the salivary fluoride concentration without substantially
affecting the urinary fluoride levels. A significant number of
studies have confirmed that intraoral fluoride-releasing devices
have great potential for use in preventing dental caries in
children, high-caries-risk groups, and irregular dental attenders
in addition to a number of other applications. As most of the
studies done on these devices are in vitro and in vivo studies,
more well-designed clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the
results so that these devices can be used clinically.
Keywords: Dental caries, Fluoride, Intraoral, Devices,
Prevention.
How to cite this article: Gambhir RS, Kapoor D, Singh G,
Singh J, Kakar H. Intraoral Fluoride-Releasing Devices: A
Literature Review. World J Dent 2012;3(4):350-354.
Source of support: Nil
Conflict of interest: None declared
INTRODUCTION
Dental caries is one of the most common diseases occurring
in humans which is prevalent in developed, developing and
underdeveloped countries and is distributed unevenly among
the populations.
1-4
More than 60% of the children aged from
5 to 17 years in the United States have decayed, missing or
filled permanent teeth because of dental caries.
5
In
epidemiological surveys in Scotland, it has been seen that
50% of the disease can be accounted for by including only
11% of 5-year-old and only 6% of 14-year-old.
6
Currently
various caries preventive strategies are in use like oral health
education, chemical and mechanical control of plaque but
fluoride (F), an efficient functional ingredient has been
shown to be most effective not only in the prevention of
caries
7-9
but also in reversal and remineralization of enamel
lesions.
10-13
There are number of ways for administering
supplemental fluoride including the fluoridation of drinking
water, the ingestion of fluoride tablets or liquids, the
incorporation of fluoride into mouth washes, dentifrices and
foods, the topical application of fluoride solutions, gels and
varnishes. These have a variable effect on caries which can
be unpredictable on an individual basis and is dependent
on patient compliance in following the prescribed regimen.
Several of these have been the subject of various Cochrane
reviews.
14,15
The history of the importance of fluoride in caries control
can be divided into two phases: Before its use for water
fluoridation in the 1950s, and before the widespread use of
fluoride dentifrices in the 1980s. Today, there is consensus
that the predominant effect of fluoride is not systemic, pre-
eruptively changing enamel structure, but mainly local,
interfering with the caries process. Hence, fluoride must be
present in the right place (biofilm fluid, saliva) and at the
right time (sugar exposure) to interfere with deminerali-
zation and remineralization events. For this effect, even sub-
ppm values of available fluoride are effective.
16
Thus,
frequent applications of topical fluoride are advised to
maximize the effects of preventive regimes. Therefore any
method of fluoride use, to be effective, should be able to
maintain a constant fluoride concentration in the oral
environment.
The purpose of this review is to explore various types
of intraoral fluoride-releasing devices (IFRD) similar to the
ones used for birth control, treatment of glaucoma and
prevention of motion sickness which can provide constant
low levels of fluoride in saliva in order to control the
incidence of dental caries in high-risk individuals. The most
important point for preferring controlled release systems to
conventional fluoride applications is their ability to increase
salivary fluoride levels without substantially increasing
serum and urinary fluoride concentrations during the
treatment period.
17
Various Methods of Fluoride Application in
High-Risk Individuals
Any method of fluoride application in high-risk individuals
should adhere to the properties that are listed in Table 1.
18
Most of the presently available methods have some
limitations and do not satisfy all the criteria and most of
them rely on patient compliance and do not release fluoride
on long-term basis.
Types of Intraoral Fluoride-Releasing Devices
The various types of intraoral fluoride-releasing devices
described in the present review are:
Copolymer membrane device
Glass device containing fluoride
World Journal of Dentistry, October-December 2012;3(4):350-354
351
WJD
Intraoral Fluoride-Releasing Devices: A Literature Review
Hydroxyapatite-Eudragit RS 100 diffusion controlled
fluoride system
Slow-fluoride release tablets for intrabuccal use.
Copolymer Membrane Device
This type of slow-release intraoral fluoride release device
(IFRD) was developed in USA.
19
This consists of a small
pellet which could be attached on or near the tooth surface.
This system was designed as a membrane-controlled
reservoir type and has an inner core of hydroxyethyl
methacrylate (HEMA)/methyl methacrylate (MMA)
copolymer (50:50 mixture), containing a precise amount of
sodium fluoride (NaF). This core is surrounded by a 30:70
HEMA/MMA copolymer membrane which controls the rate
of fluoride release from the device.
20
When the matrix
becomes hydrated, small quantities of granulated NaF are
diluted until the matrix itself becomes saturated. The precise
water absorption rates by the inner and the outer cores
enables the devices to act accurately and reliably as a release
controlling mechanism. Once placed inside the mouth, the
IFRD becomes hydrated with saliva and its characteristics
lead it to release a constant rate of sodium fluoride of 0.02
to 1.0 mg per day for up to 4 or 6 months, depending upon
the size of the device.
21
The standard form of the device is approximately 8 mm
in length, 3 mm in width and 2 mm in thickness
22
as shown
in Figure 1 and is usually attached to the buccal surface of
the first permanent molar by means of stainless steel
retainers that are spot welded to plain, standard orthodontic
bands
23
or are bonded to the tooth surfaces using adhesive
resins.
24
A new IFRD holder known as CIPI made of
biocompatible elastic alloy is specifically designed for
orthodontic patients and consists of a retentive four wire
cage provided with a cannula and a clasp. The cage contains
the IFRD, and is secured by the cannula and a clasp to the
molar tube.
21
Glass Device Containing Fluoride
Initially, the glass device that could contain inorganic
radicals was developed for use in animal husbandry to
combat pasture and feed deficiencies of various trace
elements, such as selenium, copper and cobalt.
25
Due to the
association of a number of trace elements with caries
inhibition, a modification of this device was developed in
Leeds, United Kingdom, for use in dentistry in order to
evaluate its caries preventive effects.
26
The fluoride glass
device dissolves slowly when moist in saliva, releasing
fluoride without significantly affecting the devices
integrity.
The original device was dome shape, with a diameter of
4 mm and about 2 mm thick
26-28
being usually attached to
the buccal surface of the first permanent molar using
adhesive resins. Due to the low retention rates of the original
device, it was further substantially changed to a kidney-
shaped device, being 6 mm long, 2.5 mm in width and
2.3 mm in depth, and it was proven to be effective regarding
both fluoride release and retention rate.
29
A new
modification was introduced, in order to facilitate device
handling, attachment and replacement. This new device has
been shaped in the form of a disk that is placed within a
plastic bracket, so a new device can be easily installed
without the need for debonding, removing remnants of
composite resin and performing a new acid etch and bonding
the device.
Hydroxyapatite-Eudragit RS 100 Diffusion
Controlled fluoride System
This is the newest type of slow-release fluoride device, which
consists of a mixture of hydroxyapatite, NaF and Eudragit
RS 100; it contains 18 mg of NaF and is intended to release
0.15 mg fluoride/day. It was demonstrated that
hydroxyapatite-Eudragit RS 100 matrix tablets increased the
salivary fluoride concentrations at optimal caries preventive
levels while urinary fluoride concentrations were kept at an
acceptable level in a 1-month treatment period.
30
Not much
information is available in the literature about this device.
Slow-Fluoride Release Tablets for Intrabuccal Use
Controlled release fluoride delivering system for intrabuccal
use was developed, permitting to reach high enough local
concentrations for desirable therapeutic effect with minimal
Table 1: Requirements of the ideal application method to
impart fluoride
1. Safe to administer
2. Cheap and cost-effective
3. Easily manufactured
4. Easy and quick in application
5. Robust
6. Long-term fluoride release
7. Continuous intraoral availability of fluoride
8. Acting topically at the tooth surface
9. Not relying on patient compliance
10. Preventing dental caries clinically
Fig. 1: Diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the copolymer device
which was initially 8 mm in length, 3 mm in width and 2 mm in
thickness
352
JAYPEE
Ramandeep Singh Gambhir et al
side effects. Tablets of 160 to 200 mg were formulated which
were intended to be fixed on a tooth. These tablets have a
granular matrix composed of pure hydroxyapatite, Eudragit

and/or ethylcellulose. NaF is added either by a mechanical


mixing or an impregnation method.
31
Such a mode of
fluoride administration can be extended to all chronic
pathologies of the buccal cavity.
Various Applications of Intraoral
Fluoride-Releasing Devices
Prevention of Caries
The most important function of intraoral fluoride-releasing
devices is the prevention of caries by significantly increasing
the salivary fluoride levels for a prolonged period of time.
According to the results of the study conducted on 174
children in England, the test group developed 67% fewer
new carious teeth after 2 years of placement of the devices.
26
Some authors suggested that the low fluoride levels in saliva
allow the slow mineral uptake in the base of the carious
lesion, and not only on enamel surface, as frequently occurs
when high fluoride vehicles are applied.
32
Another study
reported that there were 55% fewer new occlusal fissure
carious cavities, showing that occlusal surfaces were also
protected by these intraoral devices.
33
The copolymer
membrane device was also shown to be a similar effect on
enamel remineralization and fluoride uptake when compared
to a fluoridated chewing gum.
34
Prevention of Root Caries
Fewer studies have been conducted to demonstrate the
preventive effect of fluoride-releasing devices in root caries.
In situ studies demonstrated that the use of a slow-release
fluoride device was able to increase fluoride uptake in root
specimens (with subsurface lesions) to a higher extent when
compared to fluoridated mouthrinses and dentifrices
35
and
a fluoridated chewing gum.
36
Further studies in this regard
are needed to establish a preventive role of these fluoride-
releasing devices in the control of root caries.
Medically Compromised Individuals
Dental caries is also a major problem in individuals with
special needs who are unable to maintain their oral health
because of any disease, disability and old age. Intraoral
fluoride-releasing devices have substantial potential to
inhibit caries development in populations with special needs
especially for medically compromised, developmentally
disabled and elderly individuals.
37
People of Low Socioeconomic Status
Intraoral fluoride-releasing systems can go a long way in
preventing dental caries in high-risk individuals like ethnic
groups and people of low socioeconomic status.
20
Conditions of Xerostomia and Individuals on
Irradiation Therapy
Xerostomia is often a contributing factor for both minor
and serious health problems. Patients experiencing
xerostomia from radiation therapy or cancer chemotherapy
are at particular risk of infections from normal oral flora as
well as dental caries.
38
These devices are helpful in
prevention of caries in radiation induced xerostomia patients
and in adults with head and neck cancer undergoing
irradiation therapy.
39
Orthodontic Patients
A significant problem in patients undergoing orthodontic
treatment is white spot lesion (WSL) demineralization. A
cross-sectional study found that 50% of individuals
undergoing brace treatment had a nondevelopmental WSL
compared with 25% of controls.
40
Another study found that,
even 5 years after treatment, orthodontic patients had a
significantly higher incidence of WSLs than a control group
of patients who had not had orthodontic treatment.
41
These
lesions occur in approximately 6 to 8% of subjects during
orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.
42,43
WSL is
considered to be the precursor of enamel caries and has
been attributed to the effect of prolonged accumulation and
retention of bacterial plaque on the enamel surfaces. It is
demonstrated that a copolymer device, intended to release
fluoride for 6 months, was able to avoid the development
of WSL after 1 year of using the devices by patients under
orthodontic treatment.
21
Fluoride-Releasing Dental Materials
There are numerous dental materials from many different
manufacturers that have the ability to release fluoride to
adjacent tooth structure and into the oral environment.
44-47
Some of the known materials are fluoridated amalgams,
glass ionomer cements, resin-modified glass ionomer
cements, light cured composite resins, etc. Fluoride-
releasing dental materials provides for improved resistance
against primary and secondary caries in coronal and root
surfaces. Plaque and salivary fluoride levels are elevated to
a level that facilitates remineralization. In addition, the
fluoride released to dental plaque adversely affects the
growth of lactobacilli and mutans streptococci by
interference with bacterial enzyme systems.
48
Fluoride
recharging of these dental materials is readily achieved with
fluoridated toothpastes, fluoride mouthrinses and other
sources of topical fluoride. This allows fluoride-releasing
dental materials to act as intraoral fluoride reservoirs.
World Journal of Dentistry, October-December 2012;3(4):350-354
353
WJD
Intraoral Fluoride-Releasing Devices: A Literature Review
Toxicity and Side Effects related to
Fluoride Devices
One of the important concerns that are raised with the use
of these devices is the possibility of debonding of the
fluoride devices and subsequent swallowing which can lead
to the development of acute toxic effects in adults and
especially in children. Hence, studies were conducted to
verify the safety of these devices so that children do not
suffer from any toxic effects even if they are accidentally
ingested. Initial studies
49
conducted on dogs reported that
dogs ingested devices containing 6 months supply of
fluoride which amounted to 485 mg of fluoride following
which there were no signs of toxicity. Subsequent studies
conducted on humans
50
reported that the fluoride glass
devices were found to be entirely safe from the possibility
of developing fluoride toxicity following their ingestion
when compared with the plasma levels achieved from
swallowing one tablet of 2.2 mg of sodium fluoride. The
fluoride devices either passed through stomach or small
intestine very quickly or remain insoluble. Further clinical
studies also reported elevated fluoride concentration in
saliva but no changes in fluoride concentrations in serum
and urine of human subjects after fitting copolymer
devices.
5,24
In some studies, mucosal irritation, eythema or
small ulcers were reported as local side effects
24,51
while
some other study reported no adverse effects on the oral
studies during the period of study.
21
CONCLUSION
From the evidence accumulated from the above discussion,
it can be concluded that intraoral fluoride-releasing devices
can play a vital role in reducing dental caries in populations.
Relatively low but elevated levels of fluoride can be
maintained for prolonged periods in the oral cavity with
the use of such devices. Devices like the copolymer
membrane device and the glass device can easily be used in
children especially in the mixed dentition stage. These types
of devices seem ideal for targeting the high-caries risk
groups who are bad dental attenders with very poor oral
hygiene and motivation. In addition, it is worth mentioning
that the use of such devices is also very favorable in terms
of cost benefit and cost-effectiveness.
52
These devices can
be easily attached to the teeth, are robust and they effectively
raise the saliva fluoride concentration approaching that
deemed necessary for caries inhibition. Moreover, these
devices were found to be completely safe from the possibility
of developing fluoride toxicity in case they are accidently
swallowed or ingested. The provision of fluoride-releasing
devices for each individual must be tailor-made to suit
varying social and working circumstances. As most of the
studies evaluating the effect of slow release fluoride devices
on intraoral fluoride levels are in vitro and in situ
investigations, further well-designed clinical trials are
required to add to the evidence that these have substantial
potential in preventing dental caries.
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ramandeep Singh Gambhir (Corresponding Author)
Senior Lecturer, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Gian Sagar
Dental College and Hospital, Rajpura, Punjab, India, Phone: 91-99156-
46007, Fax: 91-1762 520011, e-mail: raman1g@yahoo.co.in
Daljit Kapoor
Professor and Head, Department of Periodontics, Gian Sagar Dental
College and Hospital, Rajpura, Punjab, India
Gurminder Singh
Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Gian Sagar Dental College
and Hospital, Rajpura, Punjab, India
Jagjit Singh
Professor, Department of Periodontics, Gian Sagar Dental College
and Hospital, Rajpura, Punjab, India
Heena Kakar
Consultant, Department of General Dentistry, Apollo Dental Centre
Chandigarh, India

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