Mitsue Fujimaki Hayacibara

Effects of Fluoride and Aluminum from Ionomeric Materials on S. mutans Biofilm

Ionomeric materials release different proportions of fluoride and aluminum. Their simultaneous effect on the acidogenicity and composition of S. mutans biofilm is unknown. Six cylindrical specimens of each material (Ketac-fil, Vitremer, Fuji-Ortho LC, F-2000, and Z-100) were incubated with S. mutans GS-5 in culture media containing 5% sucrose (w/v). The media were changed daily for seven days, during which the pH and concentrations of fluoride and aluminum were determined. Furthermore, the concentrations of these ions and insoluble polysaccharide were determined in the biofilm formed at the end of the experimental period. The results showed that all the materials tested released fluoride. However, Vitremer released the highest amount of aluminum and was the most effective in reducing the acidogenicity of S. mutans biofilms. It also significantly affected both biofilm formation and composition. Thus, this study suggests that aluminum released by ionomeric materials may enhance the biological effects of fluoride.

Fluoride and aluminum in teas and tea-based beverages

OBJECTIVE To evaluate fluoride and aluminum concentration in herbal, black, ready-to-drink, and imported teas available in Brazil considering the risks fluoride and aluminum pose to oral and general health, respectively. METHODS One-hundred and seventy-seven samples of herbal and black tea, 11 types of imported tea and 21 samples of ready-to-drink tea were divided into four groups: I-herbal tea; II-Brazilian black tea (Camellia sinensis); III-imported tea (Camellia sinensis); IV-ready-to-drink tea-based beverages. Fluoride and aluminum were analyzed using ion-selective electrode and atomic absorption, respectively. RESULTS Fluoride and aluminum levels in herbal teas were very low, but high amounts were found in black and ready-to-drink teas. Aluminum found in all samples analyzed can be considered safe to general health. However, considering 0.07 mg F/kg/day as the upper limit of fluoride intake with regard to undesirable dental fluorosis, some teas exceed the daily intake limit for children. CONCLUSIONS Brazilian and imported teas made from Camellia sinensis as well as some tea-based beverages are sources of significant amounts of fluoride, and their intake may increase the risk of developing dental fluorosis.OBJETIVO: Avaliar as concentracoes de fluor e aluminio em chas brasileiros de ervas, preto e bebidas a base de cha, como em chas preto importados considerando seus riscos para, respectivamente, a saude oral e geral. METODOS: Foram analisadas 177 amostras de cha de ervas e cha preto, 11 tipos de cha preto importados e 21 amostras de bebidas a base de cha. Fluor e aluminio foram determinados apos infusao dos chas de ervas e pretos. As determinacoes de fluor e aluminio foram feitas por eletrodo especifico e absorcao atomica, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: A quantidade de fluor e aluminio encontrada nos chas de erva foi muito baixa, mas foi alta nos chas preto e nas bebidas a base de cha. A quantidade de aluminio em todas amostras analisadas pode ser considerada segura para a saude geral. Entretanto, considerando 0,07 mg F/kg/dia como o limite superior de risco de fluorose esteticamente comprometedora, alguns chas preto e algumas bebidas a base de cha podem por si so submeter criancas a uma dose diaria superior ao limite. CONCLUSOES: Chas preto brasileiros e importados, assim como bebidas a base de cha sao fontes de quantidades significantes de fluor e sua ingestao diaria pode aumentar o risco de fluorose dental