Purpose: To evaluate in situ the effect and mechanisms involved in the anticariogenic effect of a calcium glycerophosphate fluoride dentifrice.
Methods: In a double-blind, crossover design, a non-F dentifrice (negative control), a F dentifrice and a F dentifrice containing 0.13% CaGP were compared regarding the inhibition of enamel demineralization. Both F dentifrices contained 1500 microg F/g (w/w) as sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP). Bovine enamel blocks were mounted in contact with a S. mutans test plaque, in palatal appliances worn by 10 volunteers. 30 minutes after treatment with the dentifrices, a sucrose rinse was performed and enamel demineralization was assessed after an additional 45 minutes.
Results: No significant difference was observed among groups in the calcium and inorganic phosphate concentrations in the fluid phase of the test plaque 30 minutes after the dentifrice use (P > 0.05), but F concentration was significantly higher for both F dentifrices (P < 0.05). Also, the dentifrices did not differ regarding the pH before or 5 minutes after the sugar challenge (P > 0.05). A higher mineral loss was observed for the non-F dentifrice group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the F dentifrices containing CaGP or not (P > 0.05). Using this in situ model, the findings suggested that CaGP at the concentration tested did not enhance the inhibition of enamel demineralization promoted by F dentifrice.