Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Fluoride Concentration from Conventional Topical Fluoride Gel Application and Topical Fluoride Gel Infused via Iontophoresis among 8–12 Year Old Children: A Randomised Clinical Study.

Fluorides have been at the forefront of preventive dentistry ever since their anticariogenic potential was discovered. Topical fluoridated products are able to create reservoirs, providing bioavailability of the product for the dental surface which is effective in reducing demineralization and increasing remineralization. Iontophoresis is a non-invasive technique, based on the application of a constant low-intensity electric current to facilitate the release of a variety of drugs, through the biological membranes. Iontophoresis enhances the delivery of both charged and uncharged drugs by the application of an electric current across a membrane. Iontophoresis has a wide range of application in dentistry, to produce a non-invasive technique of anaesthesia, iontophoresis of fluoride to decrease dentinal hypersensitivity, iontophoresis of peroxide for teeth whitening and that of nano-particles for re-mineralization of decalcified enamel and dentin are among the others. Fluoride levels in whole saliva can be affected by method of delivery, and generally follows the same pattern in plaque samples. Although salivary retention of fluoride does not necessarily reflect anticaries effect, this data can provide some indication of dose- effective methods of topical fluoride application. Barbakow in 19738 suggested that fluoride concentration were greater after the iontophoretic applications Recent invitro studies suggest tha there is increased uptake of fluoride in teeth after iontophoresis. Thus, it is vital to investigate improved fluoride administration systems.