This study compared the ability of two sodium fluoride dentifrices, one con
taining 5,000 ppm fluoride (Prevident 5000 Plus) and the other 1,100 ppm fl
uoride (Winterfresh Gel), to reverse primary root caries lesions (PRCLs). A
total of 201 subjects with at least one PRCL each entered the study and we
re randomly allocated to use one of the dentifrices. After 6 months, 186 su
bjects were included in statistical analyses. At baseline and after 3 and 6
months, the lesions were clinically assessed and their electrical resistan
ce measured using an electrical caries monitor, After 3 months, 39 (38.2%)
of the 102 subjects in the 5,000 ppm F- group and 9 (10.7%) of 84 subjects
using the 1,100 ppm F- dentifrice, had one or more PRCLs which had hardened
(p = 0.005). Between baseline and 3 months, the log(10) mean +/- SD resist
ance values of lesions for subjects in the 1,100 ppm F- group had decreased
by 0.06 +/- 0.55, whereas those in the 5,000 ppm F- group had increased by
0.40 +/- 0.64 (p<0.001). After 6 months, 58 (56.9%) of the subjects in the
5,000 ppm F- group and 24 (28.6%) in the 1,100 ppm F- group had one or mor
e PRCLs that had become hard (p = 0.002). Between baseline and 6 months, th
e log(10) mean,SD resistance values of lesions for subjects in the 1,100 pp
m F- group decreased by 0.004 +/- 0.70, whereas in the 5,000 ppm F- group,
they increased by 0.56 +/- 0.76 (p<0.001). After 3 and 6 months, the distan
ce from the apical border of the root caries lesions to the gingival margin
increased significantly in the 5,000 ppm F- group when compared with the 1
,100 ppm F- group. The plaque index in the 5,000 ppm F- group was also sign
ificantly reduced when compared with the 1,100 ppm F- group. The colour of
the lesions remained unchanged. It was concluded that the dentifrice contai
ning 5,000 ppm F- was significantly better at remineralising PRCLs than the
one containing 1,100 ppm F-. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.