Calcium fluoride formation after use of Srinakharinwirot fluoride gel versus a commercial brand in vitro Thirasupa N,Buranasirin K,Wivekmetakorn J,Youcharoen K,Kaewsutha N Faculty of Dentistry, SrinakarinwirotUniversity. Introduction : Professionally applied topical fluoride is an important and effective means of reducing dental caries in children. Calcium fluoride appears to be the major reaction product on enamel after short exposure to concentrated fluoride agents. The formation of CaF2 is important since it serves as a fluoride reservoir and interferes with the de- and re-mineralizing phases of the caries process. In this study we formulated Srinakharinwirot fluoride gel which contained 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (SWU APF gel). Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine total fluoride ion in SWU APF gel and to compare the formation of loosely bound CaF2 on enamel treated with SWU APF gel and standard commercial APF gel. Methods: Fifteen human molars were cut into two parts mesio-distally and 30 enamel blocks were made from buccal surface to provide two treatment groups; SWU APF gel and standard commercial APF gel. Enamel specimens were treated with topical fluoride for 4 minutes. The formation of calcium fluoride on enamel was determined by extraction with 1 ml. of 1.0 M KOH for 24 hours an analyzed by ion-selective electrode. Results: Total fluoride concentration in SWU APF gel and commercial APF gel was 12,037±65 and 14367±184 ppm consecutively. The amount of CaF2 formed on the enamel was 66.73±20.16 and 53.87±14.74 µgF/cm2 for SWU gel and standard commercial APF gel respectively. There was no statistical difference in fluoride deposited on enamel between SWU APF gel and standard commercial APF gel (p>0.05). Conclusion: The finding of this study substantiated proper quantity of total fluoride ion in SWU APF gel. SWU APF and commercial APF gel are equally able to promote formation of loosely bound CaF2 on enamel.
