Clinical evaluation of the intraoral fluoride releasing system in radiation-induced xerostomic subjects. Part 1: Fluorides

Abstract

Radiation-induced xerostomia results in significant changes in the oral cavity particularly oral microbial changes, which include a marked increase in the number of cariogenic organisms, notably Streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus species. This loss of the capacity to secrete saliva creates or promotes the rapid onset and progression of rampant dental caries. In this 2-part series, the benefit of fluoride in reducing caries activity is presented. Part 1 discusses the historical and currently available fluoride preparations and Part 2 presents data of a recently completed trial investigating the benefit of an intraoral sodium fluoride releasing system.