Abstract

CURY, Jaime Aparecido et al. Fluoride concentration in most sold MFP/CaCO3 - based Brazilian toothpastes at the expiration time. Rev. Assoc. Paul. Cir. Dent. [online]. 2015, vol.69, n.3, pp. 248-251. ISSN 0004-5276.

Fluoride toothpaste should contain at least 1,000 ppm (mg F/kg) of fluoride chemically soluble to have the maximum potential to interfere with the caries process. In formulations containing calcium-based abrasives, the concentration of total soluble fluoride (TSF = fluoride ion + MFP ion) decreases according to the storage time. The four MFP/CaCO3-based toothpastes most consumed in Brazil are able to maintain 1,000 ppm of TSF throughout one year of manufacturing, but it is not known if it would be maintained up to the expiration date. Thus, this study evaluated the concentration of TSF in these toothpastes at the end of expiration date. As control, the total fluoride (TF) concentration was also determined. After the analysis of fresh samples conducted in 2010, the toothpastes tube (n=30) were stored at temperature of 25°C and the determinations of TF and TSF concentrations were again assessed in 2012, close to the expiration date of the toothpastes (3 years). The analyses were made using a validated protocol of extraction, the determinations were made with an ion specific electrode and the results were expressed in ppm F (mg F/kg). The concentration (mean±SD;n=30) of TF found (1.415.2±62.8) was according to the declared by the manufacturer (1.450 ppm), but the TSF was 44% lower (814.7±74.7). At expiration, the most sold MFP/CaCO3-based brazilian toothpastes do not maintain the maximum TSF concentration required, showing not only the relevance of the Dentist to advise the patients about this subject, but also the necessity to review the Brazilian regulation about toothpastes.

Keywords : dentifrices; toothpastes; fluoride; fluoride compounds; dental caries.