In Vivo Assessment of Geno- and Cytotoxicity of Fluoridated Toothpastes and Mouthrinses on Human Buccal Epithelial Cells

Buccal cells represent the first barrier to the oral hygiene products' potential toxic effect. The usual concentration of fluoride in toothpastes is 1000/1100 parts per million (ppm F); toothpastes with higher (1500 ppm F) and lower than conventional fluoride levels (around 500 ppm F) are available in many countries. Toothpastes containing higher concentrations of fluoride confer greater protection against caries but at the same time the fluoride is able to induce harmful effects on oral mucosa cells.

The study would include around 40 participants, aged between 20 and 65, divided in two groups. Each group will use fluoride free toothpaste for 28 days, than afterwards group B will get toothpastes (each for 28 days) with no fluoride, 1045 ppm F and 1450 ppm F used together with mouthrinse containing 450 ppm F, while the group A will have everything the same except the mouthrinse that will contain no fluoride - a placebo mouthrinse.

Every 28 days buccal cells samples would be collected from each participant and a Buccal micronucleus cytome assay would be performed according to Nature protocols: Thomas et all.

The aim of this study would be to assess the possible cumulative effect of together use of fluoridated toothpastes and mouthrinses, since population worldwide uses them together without any exact studies about toxicity.