Fluoride content in children's dentifrices marketed in Argentina.

INTRODUCTION

Fluoridated dentifrices are the most widely used formulations for caries prevention and control. However, there is great concern regarding legislation on the use of fluoride formulations in early childhood from the standpoint of avoiding increased risk of fluorosis while at the same time achieving a concentration that ensures anticaries activity.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of fluoride concentration in the main children's toothpaste brands marketed in Argentina.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty different brands of children's toothpaste were evaluated by analyzing the concentration of total fluoride (TF), total soluble fluoride (TSF) and ionic fluoride (IF) in two or three samples of each brand. Each sample was analyzed in duplicate using an ion-specific electrode calibrated with fluoride standards, and the results were expressed in ppm (µg F/g).

RESULTS

TF was found to be lower than stated by the manufacturer in 85% of the brands analyzed. TF concentration found in fluoride toothpastes ranged from 651.5 to 1090.4 μg/ml F-, while TSF ranged from 504.2 to 915.5 μg/ml F, and IF from 298.6 to 838.2 μg/ml F-.

CONCLUSIONS

The formulation and fluoride content in children's toothpastes marketed in Argentina vary greatly according to brand. In all the samples, TF concentration was lower than 1500 ppm F-, and TSF concentration was lower than 1000 ppm F-, the minimum amount necessary to ensure anticaries effect. This indicates the need for improved formulations and regulations.