Salivary Fluoride Concentrations and Fluoride Intake After Toothbrushing With and Without Rinsing Using Sodium Fluoride Toothpaste: A Crossover Trial in 6‐Year‐Old Children

BACKGROUND: Brushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste without rinsing significantly increases salivary fluoride concentration. AIM: To compare the effects of rinsing versus non-rinsing after toothbrushing with 1500 ppm fluoride (ppmF) toothpaste on salivary fluoride concentration up to 90 min and fluoride intake in 6-year-old children. DESIGN: A crossover clinical trial was conducted in 18 healthy 6-year-old children. Children brushed their teeth with 1500 ppmF toothpaste (0.6 g) with rinsing (WR) or without rinsing (WOR) in a three-day washout period. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and at 1, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 min after toothbrushing. Salivary fluoride concentration was measured using an ion-specific electrode. Fluoride intake was also determined. RESULTS: The geometric mean salivary fluoride concentration was significantly higher in WOR than in WR over time (p = 0.023). Pairwise comparisons at specific time points showed a significant difference at 1-min post-brushing (p < 0.001). Fluoride intake was significantly greater in WOR than in WR (0.216 ± 0.046 vs. 0.176 ± 0.056 mgF; p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Toothbrushing with 1500 ppmF toothpaste without rinsing produced higher fluoride intake and total fluoride exposure (AUC) due to a large initial peak; however, salivary fluoride concentrations were comparable between rinsing methods from 5 min onward and remained caries-preventive for up to 90 min.