Determination of total fluoride and soluble fluoride in four toothpastes available on the Iranian market

Abstract Introduction: One of the most effective and inexpensive methods to prevent tooth decay is the use of fluoride dentifrices. An adequate concentration of soluble fluoride should be available in toothpastes to have an inhibitory effect on caries. This study was designed to evaluate and compare total fluoride and soluble fluoride concentrations in most commonly consumed toothpastes in Iran with the international standard of 1000‒1500 ppm.Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytical study 3 samples from 4 toothpastes were from Iran (Pooneh, Daroogar, Paveh) and one of them was an imported product (Crest 7). Total fluoride and total soluble fluoride concentrations were determined by ion specific electrode. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and post hoc Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results: Total fluoride and total soluble fluoride concentrations were higher than 1000 ppm only in Crest 7 toothpaste. Total soluble fluoride concentration in Crest 7 toothpaste was significantly higher than other toothpastes (p value < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the 3 other toothpastes (p value > 0.05).Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, the imported toothpaste had a favorable fluoride concentration but the Iranian products had fluoride levels below the standard levels. Key words: Dental caries, Fluoride, Toothpaste.