Effect of toothbrushing on fluoride release of polyacid-modified composite resins

The aim of the study was to evaluate the fluoride release of polyacid-modified composite resins (Dyract, Compoglass) submitted to brushing abrasion. Twenty samples were taken from each material and stored in a buffer solution (pH 4.0) for 12 days. Each day, the samples were transferred to a fresh solution. Ten samples of each material were brushed in an automatic tooth-brushing machine (250 strokes, 260-g load) every fourth day. The remaining samples were not subjected to brushing. Fluoride content of the solutions was measured with a fluoride sensitive electrode after the addition of TISAB. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences between the two materials with regard to cumulative fluoride release within the 12 days of the experiment. However, no difference was observed between the fluoride release of the brushed samples compared to the unbrushed specimens. This was true for both, the cumulative fluoride release and its release on the day following brushing. It is assumed that regular brushing of the tested materials did not influence their release of fluoride and that brushing of polyacid-modified composite resins does not lead to maintaining their initially high level of fluoride release. Received: 6 May 1999 / Accepted: 21 July 1999