Effect of a calcium carbonate-based dentifrice on enamel demineralization in situ

Since the effect of calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) based dentifrice on enamel demineralization is not clearly established, it was evaluated using the IEDT model described by Zero's group in 1992. This study had a crossover design and 10 volunteers were submitted to 3 treatment groups: a negative control, brushing without dentifrice; an active control, brushing with silica-based dentifrice (SiO(2)/MFP group), and the experimental group, brushing with CaCO(3)-based dentifrice (CaCO(3)/MFP). Both dentifrices contained 1,500 microgram F/g (w/w) as sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP). Enamel surface microhardness was determined in the dental blocks and the percentage change in relation to baseline was calculated. Fluoride uptake in enamel and its concentration in 'test plaque' were determined. The results showed that the dentifrice containing CaCO(3)/MFP was more effective than SiO(2)/MFP in reducing enamel demineralization (p < 0.05). A higher concentration of fluoride ion was found in 'test plaque' treated with CaCO(3)/MFP than in the negative control (p < 0.05). The results suggest that CaCO(3) abrasive may enhance the effect of fluoride present in dentifrice on dental caries control.     

Anticaries potential of a fluoride mouthrinse evaluated in vitro by validated protocols

This blind and randomized study tested in vitro, using validated protocols, the anticaries potential of an experimental fluoride mouthrinse. One-hundred enamel slabs, half sound and half with caries-like lesions (carious), all with known surface microhardness (SMH), were submitted to 3 treatment groups: A) a placebo mouthrinse (negative control); B) a positive control mouthrinse containing 0.05% NaF; and C) an experimental formulation containing 0.05% NaF and cetylpyridinium chloride as an antibacterial substance. To evaluate the formation of F products on enamel, sound (n=10) and carious (n=10) slabs were treated with the formulations during 10 min and loosely and firmly-bound F formed in enamel were determined after extraction with alkali and acid, respectively. To evaluate the inhibition of enamel demineralization, sound enamel slabs (n=10) were treated with the mouthrinse formulations 2x/day during 1 min and subjected to a pH-cycling regimen simulating a cariogenic challenge (demineralization). To evaluate enamel remineralization, the carious slabs (n=10) were submitted to the treatments 3x/day and subjected to a pH-cycling model simulating a remineralizing condition. After 8 days, enamel SMH was determined again and the percentage of SMH loss or SMH recovery was calculated for the sound and carious slabs, respectively. The experimental formulation was superior to the negative control (p<0.05) and equivalent to the positive control (p>0.05) in the formation of F products in enamel, and in the inhibition of enamel demineralization and enhancement of remineralization. These data suggest that the tested experimental fluoride mouthrinse has anticaries potential.     

Effect of dentifrice containing fluoride and/or baking soda on enamel demineralization/remineralization: an in situ study

The additive effect of baking soda on the anticariogenic effect of fluoride dentifrice is not well established. To evaluate it, a crossover in situ study was done in three phases of 28 days. Volunteers, using acrylic palatal appliances containing four human enamel blocks, two sound (to evaluate demineralization) and two with artificial caries lesions (to evaluate remineralization), took part in this study. During each phase, 10% sucrose solution was dripped (3 times a day) only onto the sound blocks. After 10 min, a slurry of placebo, fluoride (F) or fluoride and baking soda (F+NaHCO(3)) dentifrice was dripped onto all enamel blocks. The results showed a higher F concentration in dental plaque formed during treatment with F+NaHCO(3) than placebo (p<0.05), but the difference related to F dentifrice was not significant. The enamel demineralization was lower, and remineralization was greater, after treatment with F+NaHCO(3) than placebo (p<0.05), but the difference related to F dentifrice was not significant. The data suggest that baking soda neither improves nor impairs the effect of F dentifrice on reduction of demineralization and enhancement of remineralization of enamel.     

In situ mineral loss inhibition by CO2 laser and fluoride

Laser and fluoride treatments have been shown to inhibit enamel demineralization in the laboratory. However, the intra-oral effects of this association have not been tested. This study assessed in situ the effect of a Transversely Excited Atmospheric CO2 laser (lambda = 9.6 mum) and the use of pressure fluoridated dentifrice on enamel demineralization. During two 14-day phases, 17 volunteers wore palatal appliances containing human enamel slabs assigned to treatment groups, as follows: (1) non-fluoride dentifrice, (2) CO2 laser irradiation plus non-fluoride dentifrice, (3) fluoride dentifrice, and (4) CO2 laser irradiation plus fluoride dentifrice. A 20% sucrose solution was dripped onto the slabs 8 times per day. The specimens treated with laser and/or fluoridated dentifrice presented a significantly lower mineral loss when compared with those from the non-fluoride dentifrice group. The results suggested that CO2 laser treatment of enamel inhibits demineralization in the human mouth, being more effective when associated with fluoride.     

Artificial enamel dental caries treated with different topical fluoride regimes: an in situ study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the topical fluoride application (acidulated phosphate fluoride, APF) at high concentration has an additional effect on the control of enamel lesions compared to fluoride dentifrice (FD; low concentration). The frequency of APF treatment on the arrestment of caries lesions and the amount of fluoride deposited on enamel after application of high and low fluoride concentrations were also evaluated. METHODS: Five subjects wore partial dentures with in vitro demineralized blocks during 35 days. All specimens (5p/subject) were brushed three times daily for 1 min with FD (1100 ppmF). Besides the FD treatment, four specimens were submitted to APF gel topical applications (12,300 ppmF) on weekly intervals (one to four applications). The enamel blocks were analyzed at baseline, after demineralization and after intraoral procedures regarding: surface roughness (SR), clinical aspects (brightness and texture), surface microhardness (SMH) and enamel fluoride content. Friedman's test was used to compare SMH and SR among the treatments. Analysis of variance, followed by Tukey's studentized range test, was used to evaluate fluoride content and SR among the groups. The significance level used was 5%. RESULTS: Changes in surface brightness, texture and SR were not detected. FD+3 APF and FD+4 APF were the only treatments capable of increasing SMH values and fluoride content compared to demineralized blocks (p < 0.001), although no differences could be observed within the treatments. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that > or = 3 APF in addition to FD enhance enamel rehardening and produce a larger reservoir of fluoride.     

Effect of different frequencies of fluoride dentifrice and mouthrinse administration: an in situ study

The effect of a combination of topical fluoridation methods for inhibition of enamel demineralization in the face of a cariogenic challenge has not been clearly established. This in situ crossover study aimed to assess whether the addition of daily use of fluoride mouthrinse (FR) to that of fluoride dentifrice (FD) is equivalent to increasing the frequency of FD application in terms of the effect on enamel demineralization and fluoride content. Over 3 phases of 14 days each, 12 volunteers wore appliances containing enamel blocks exposed to a 20 % sucrose solution 8 times/day. During each phase the blocks underwent one of the following treatments: 2x/day FD, 2x/day FD + 1x/day FR, and 3x/day FD. The blocks were assessed for hardness and fluoride content. Three x/day FD did not differ from 2x/day + 1x/day FR, however it enhanced demineralization protection when compared to 2x/day FD. All treatments produced an increase in enamel fluoride content compared to no treatment (sound blocks) (p < 0.05), but the differences between them were not significant. The results of this study suggest that the daily use of fluoride mouthrinse combined with that of fluoride dentifrice has similar effects on enamel demineralization and fluoride content when compared to increasing the frequency of fluoride dentifrice use.     

Effect of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel application time on enamel demineralization of deciduous and permanent teeth

Although the effect of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (APF gel) on caries reduction in permanent teeth is based on evidence, the relevance of the clinical application time is still under debate. Also, the effect of 4- versus 1-min application has not been evaluated in deciduous enamel. In a blind, crossover, in situ study of 14 days, 16 adult volunteers wore palatal appliances containing slabs of human permanent and deciduous enamel. At the beginning of each phase, the slabs were submitted to one of the following treatments: no APF application (negative control); APF gel (1.23% F) application for 1 or 4 min. Biofilm accumulation on the slab surface was allowed and the slabs were subjected eight times a day to 20% sucrose, simulating a high cariogenic challenge condition. On the 15th day of each phase, fluoride retained as CaF(2) and fluorapatite (FAp) was determined on the enamel of the slabs and demineralization was assessed by cross-sectional microhardness. Fluoride as CaF(2) and FAp, formed by APF gel application on the enamel slabs not subjected to the cariogenic challenge, was also determined. APF gel reduced demineralization in both enamel types (p < 0.05), but the difference between 1 and 4 min was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CaF(2) and FAp formed and retained on deciduous and permanent enamel was significantly higher in APF gel groups (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between 1 and 4 min (p > 0.05). The findings suggest that 1 min of APF gel application provides a similar effect on inhibition of demineralization as 4 min, for both permanent and deciduous enamel.     

Impact of fluoride, milk and water rinsing on surface rehardening of acid softened enamel. An in situ study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of fluoride, milk and water rinsing on surface rehardening of acid softened enamel in situ. METHODS: Ten subjects performed six tests of4 hours each. In each test, three softened enamel samples were attached to intraoral appliances. For softening, samples were immersed extraorally in an acidic beverage for 120 seconds. Subsequently, specimens were worn intraorally for 5 minutes (Tests 1-3) or 30 minutes (Tests 4-6). Thereafter, the volunteers rinsed with a 250 ppm SnF2/Olaflur solution (Tests 1 and 4), milk (Tests 2 and 5) or non-carbonated mineral water (Tests 3 and 6) for 60 seconds. At each test, one sample was covered with tape during intraoral rinsing and thus, served as control. After rinsing, both test and the control samples were exposed to the oral cavity for up to 4 hours after demineralization. Surface microhardness (SMH) of the specimens was assessed at baseline, immediately after softening and 4 hours after softening. For each subject, the secretion rate of resting and stimulated saliva, buffering capacity and pH-value as well as calcium and phosphate concentration of saliva were measured. Statistical analysis was performed by ANCOVA followed by stratified analyses with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Baseline Knoop Hardness (mean +/- S.D.) amounted to 403.1 +/- 39.4. Immediately after softening, mean SMH was reduced to 214.4 +/- 24.1 KHN. Rinsing with 250 ppm fluoride, milk or water after 5 minutes or 30 minutes intraoral exposure of softened samples had a significant effect on rehardening. The increase of SMH (DeltaKHN) was highest after rinsing with fluoride (5 minutes: 95.0 +/- 18.3; 30 minutes: 94.2 +/- 24.3) followed by milk (5 minutes: 77.1 +/- 14.1; 30 minutes: 80.3 +/- 18.7) and water (5 minutes: 49.0 +/- 9.9; 30 minutes: 47.0 +/- 14.1), but did not achieve baseline values. It is concluded that a single rinse with a 250 ppm SnF2/Olaflur solution, milk or water increases rehardening of previously acid softened enamel.     

磷硅酸钠钙对乳牙釉质再矿化作用的研究

目的：研究生物活性材料磷硅酸钠钙（CSP）对人工脱矿的乳牙釉质表面再矿化的作用。方法：收集30颗健康离体乳磨牙,将每颗牙冠沿近远中径和颊舌径分成4个釉质块,每个釉质块随机分为4组（n ＝30）。样本经35％磷酸酸蚀2 min后分别进行如下处理：空白对照（A 组）、0．14％氟化物处理（B 组）、CSP 处理（C 组）、氟化物＋CSP 处理（D 组）,每天循环处理2次。在10、30 d 时扫描电镜观察釉质表面形态并测定釉质表面显微硬度值（SMH）。结果：扫描电镜观察显示,10 d 时A 组表面呈脱矿的蜂窝状表现,B、C 组脱矿不明显,D 组可见明显的矿化物沉积。30 d 时 A 组可见明显釉质脱矿和釉柱溶解表现,B、C 和 D 组可见程度不等的再矿化。10 d 时 D 组的 SMH 值高于 A 组（P ＜0．05）,30 d 时 B、C、D 组 SMH 值均高于 A组（P ＜0．05）,D 组 SMH 值显著高于 B 和 C 组（P ＜0．05）。结论：CSP 和氟化物具有促进乳牙釉质再矿化的作用,CSP 和氟化物联合应用优于二者的单独应用。     

Prevention of sucrose-induced demineralization of tooth enamel by chewing sorbitol gum

Measurements were made of the effect of chewing sorbitol gum on the intra-oral demineralization induced by rinsing with 10% sucrose solutions. Blocks of bovine enamel were covered with a layer of Streptococcus mutans IB1600, and mounted on palatal appliances that were worn by five subjects for defined periods of time. Enamel demineralization was determined by following changes in iodide penetrability (delta Ip) of the enamel surfaces. Delta Ip increased to a maximum of about 15 units between 30 and 45 min, while the pH of the S. mutans plaque dropped to below 4 by 15 min. Plaque pH returned to 4.9 by 60 min. Chewing sorbitol gum after the sucrose rinse minimized further increases in delta Ip and brought about a more rapid return of the S. mutans plaque pH toward neutrality. The effect of chewing gum was greater when chewing was initiated earlier so that, when gum was given at five min after the sucrose rinse, demineralization was only 37% of that obtained without gum. The findings confirm earlier reports on the effect of gum on plaque pH, and directly demonstrate the profound protective effects that chewing sorbitol gum can have on tooth enamel.     

Timing of fluoride toothpaste use and enamel-dentin demineralization

It is well established that fluoride (F) prevents caries development by inhibiting demineralization and enhancing remineralization processes. However, it is not known which of these protective mechanisms is more important. In this double-blind, crossover in situ study conducted in three phases of 14 days each, 12 volunteers wore palatal appliances containing enamel and root dentin slabs, on which biofilm was allowed to accumulate under exposure to 20% sucrose solution 8×/day. F toothpaste was used once a day, either before the daily demineralizing episodes (in the morning) or after them (at night). Non-F placebo toothpaste was used in the control group. F toothpaste significantly reduced enamel and dentin demineralization compared with the control (p < 0.05). F toothpaste was more effective when used after the demineralization episodes than before, and this difference was statistically significant for dentin (p < 0.05). The results suggest that brushing with F dentifrice at night to remineralize daily mineral losses may be preferable to brushing in the morning to inhibit the demineralizing episodes of the day.     

APF and dentifrice effect on root dentin demineralization and biofilm

Because dentin is more caries-susceptible than enamel, its demineralization may be more influenced by additional fluoride (F). We hypothesized that a combination of professional F, applied as acidulated phosphate F (APF), and use of 1100-ppm-F dentifrice would provide additional protection for dentin compared with 1100-ppm-F alone. Twelve adult volunteers wore palatal appliances containing root dentin slabs, which were subjected, during 4 experimental phases of 7 days each, to biofilm accumulation and sucrose exposure 8x/day. The volunteers were randomly assigned to the following treatments: placebo dentifrice (PD), 1100-ppm-F dentifrice (FD), APF + PD, and APF+FD. APF gel (1.23% F) was applied to the slabs once at the beginning of the experimental phase, and the dentifrices were used 3x/day. APF and FD increased F concentration in biofilm fluid and reduced root dentin demineralization, presenting an additive effect. Analysis of the data suggests that the combination of APF gel application and daily regular use of 1100-ppm-F dentifrice may provide additional protection against root caries compared with the dentifrice alone.     

Effect of calcium pre-rinse and fluoride dentifrice on remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel and on the composition of the dental biofilm formed in situ

Objective: This in situ blind crossover study investigated the effect of calcium (Ca) rinse prior to the use fluoride (F) dentifrice on remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel and on the composition of biofilm. Design: During four phases of 14 days, 10 volunteers wore appliances containing two artificially demineralised bovine enamel blocks. Three times a day, they rinsed with 10 mL of Ca (150 mM) or placebo rinse (1 min). A slurry (1:3, w/v) of F (1030 ppm) or placebo dentifrice was dripped onto the blocks. During 1 min, the volunteers brushed their teeth with the respective dentifrice. The appliance was replaced into the mouth and the volunteers rinsed with water. The biofilm formed on the blocks was analysed for F and Ca. Enamel alterations were evaluated by the percentage of surface microhardness change (%SMHC), cross-sectional microhardness (% mineral volume) and alkali-soluble F analysis. Data were analysed by ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: The use of the Ca pre-rinse before the F dentifrice produced a six- and four-fold increase in biofilm F and Ca concentrations, respectively. For enamel, the remineralisation was significantly improved by the Ca pre-rinse when compared to the other treatments. There was a significantly higher concentration of alkali-soluble F in enamel when the F dentifrice was used, but the Ca pre-rinse did not have any significant additive effect. Conclusions: According to our protocol, the Ca pre-rinse significantly increased biofilm F concentration and, regardless the use of F dentifrice, significantly enhanced the remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel.     

The short-term in situ model to evaluate the anticariogenic potential of ionomeric materials

OBJECTIVES: Aiming to contribute to the study of mechanisms involved in the anticariogenic properties of dental materials, this study assessed the suitability of a short-term in situ model to evaluate the anticariogenic potential of ionomeric materials. METHODS: The study used a 3-phase crossover, double blind design, and in each phase eight volunteers wore palatal appliances containing four enamel blocks restored with one of the following materials: composite resin (CR-Z250) (negative control), a conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC-Ketac-Fil) or a resin-modified GIC (RM-GIC-Vitremer). The restored blocks were covered with a "test plaque" of S. mutans, placed in palatal appliances and a cariogenic challenge was made during 1 min with 20% sucrose solution. After 45 min, test plaque was collected for fluoride (F) analysis. Enamel surface microhardness was previously determined at one side of the restoration and the percentage of surface microhardness change (%SMC) in relation to baseline (other side) was calculated. F concentration in enamel was also evaluated. RESULTS: Split-plot ANOVA showed a statistically lower %SMC on enamel around the ionomeric materials than around the CR (p<0.05). This result was supported by a statistically higher F concentration in test plaque (P<0.001) and in enamel (P<0.001) restored with the ionomeric materials when compared to the CR. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the short-term in situ model tested is useful for studying the anticariogenic potential of dental materials that release fluoride.     

In situ effect of frequent sucrose exposure on enamel demineralization and on plaque composition after APF application and F dentifrice use

Since the effect of the combination of methods of fluoride use on enamel demineralization and on plaque composition is not clearly established, this study examined the effect of the combination of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) application and F dentifrice on enamel demineralization and on plaque composition. In this crossover study, 16 volunteers, wearing a palatal appliance containing bovine enamel blocks, were subjected to 4 treatment groups: non-fluoridated dentifrice (PD), FD, APF+PD, and APF+FD. The APF was applied to the enamel before the 14-day experimental period. During the experimental period, test dentifrices were applied 3x/day, and a 20% sucrose solution was applied 4x and 8x/day by being dripped on the blocks. Although APF application was able either to increase F concentration in plaque or to reduce the % of mutans streptococci, its combination with F dentifrice use neither reduced enamel mineral loss nor changed any other measured plaque variable with respect to the FD group alone.     

Fluoride release from CaF2 and enamel demineralization

The anticaries effect of professional fluoride (F) application has been attributed to calcium-fluoride-like deposits (CaF(2)) formed on enamel, but this has not been clearly demonstrated. We hypothesized that CaF(2) formed on plaque-free enamel by F application would reduce enamel demineralization due to the increase of F availability in fluid of subsequently formed plaque. We created distinct levels of CaF(2) on enamel to evaluate a dose-response effect. Enamel blocks were mounted in contact with a S. mutans test plaque and used in situ by 10 volunteers. F released to the fluid phase of this substrate ("plaque fluid") was measured before a cariogenic challenge. "Plaque fluid" F concentration was highly correlated to the enamel CaF(2) concentration (r = 0.96, p < 0.001) and to consequent enamel demineralization (r = -0.75, p < 0.001). The results suggest that F released to plaque fluid from CaF(2) formed on enamel may play a significant role in the anticaries effect of professionally applied F agents.     

Enamel microhardness change and plaque pH measurements in an intra-oral model in humans

Changes in plaque pH and microhardness of bovine enamel slabs were evaluated with a seven-day intra-oral cariogenicity test (ICT). The test enamel slabs were mounted in prosthetic appliances with a Dacron mesh cover for enhancement of microbial colonization. Three percent solutions of sucrose, sorbitol, and xylitol were evaluated as four daily extra-oral immersions of 10 min each, for seven days, and the results were compared with baseline experiments (no daily immersions). The pH was measured with antimony electrodes on one-day and seven-day ICT plaque samples that were challenged with a one-minute immersion in the studied substrates. Plaque samples in the baseline experiments were challenged with 3% sucrose. The enamel softening was assessed with measurements of microhardness. Sucrose challenge caused pH depression with both the baseline and the sucrose-immersed plaque. Sorbitol and xylitol challenge did not depress the plaque pH. Compared with the baseline, sucrose immersions caused enamel softening; sorbitol and xylitol did not.     

玻璃离子保护膜与氟保护漆对牙釉质脱矿的预防和再矿化作用

目的: 比较玻璃离子保护膜与氟保护漆对牙釉质脱矿的预防和再矿化作用。方法: 选择122颗正畸减数拔除的前磨牙,制成釉质块,随机选择2个,进行扫描电镜（SEM）观察,其余用于两部分实验。①釉质脱矿预防实验 （实验A）—选择60个釉质块,随机分为3组（n=20）,分别使用玻璃离子保护膜（A1组）、氟保护漆（A2组）,对照组（A3组）不予处理;②釉质再矿化实验（实验B）—选择60个釉质块,预脱矿72 h后,随机分为3组(B1、B2、B3,n=20),处理方法同预防釉质脱矿各组。实验A、B共6组样本均经人工脱矿液和人工唾液交替pH循环处理30 d。采用SEM观察釉质表面形貌,显微硬度计测定釉质表面显微硬度（SMH）变化,X线能谱分析仪分析釉质表面钙磷比。采用SPSS 26.0软件包对数据进行统计学分析。结果: 釉质脱矿预防实验,未作处理的牙釉质表面平坦、均匀,A1组釉质表面基本完整,A2组釉质表面可见大量片状沉积物,A3组呈现典型的脱矿导致的蜂窝状结构。各组间ΔSMH两两比较,A1组A2组>A3组(P<0.05)。釉质再矿化实验,SEM结果显示,B1、B2组均有沉积物附着于釉质表面,B3组釉质表面凹凸不平,呈蜂窝状。各组间ΔSMH两两比较,B1组>B2组>B3组(P<0.05)。钙磷比值依次为B1组>B2组>B3组(P<0.05)。结论: 玻璃离子保护膜和氟保护漆均可预防和治疗牙釉质脱矿,玻璃离子保护膜由于其耐磨、持久,具有更好的保护和再矿化作用。     

Effect of xylitol and fluoride on enamel erosion in vitro

This study aimed to determine the anti-erosive effects of xylitol, fluoride and a xylitol/fluoride combination used as an additive in an acidic drink or as mouthrinse after enamel was exposed to an acidic drink, in vitro. Human third molars were divided into 7 groups (A-G). Samples from groups A to D were immersed for 5 min in orange juice only (A), orange juice plus either 25% xylitol (B), F(-) 1 ppm (C) or a 25% xylitol/F(-) 1 ppm combination (D), respectively. Samples from groups E to G were immersed in orange juice for 5 min and then in either 40% xylitol (E), F(-) 227 ppm (F) or a 40% xylitol/F(-) 227 ppm combination (G), for 1 min respectively. This process was performed four times daily for 14 days. Mineral loss was determined from the lesion depth and surface hardness. Erosion depth progressively increased in all groups, except E, where erosion depth was significantly lower than group A. Surface microhardness progressively decreased in all groups, except E, where hardness was significantly higher than group A. This study demonstrated that addition of xylitol, fluoride or a xylitol/fluoride combination to an acidic drink or post-treatment with fluoride or a xylitol/fluoride combination could reduce, but not prevent, enamel erosion.     

Low‐fluoride toothpaste and deciduous enamel demineralization under biofilm accumulation and sucrose exposure

Cury JA, do Amaral RC, Tenuta LMA, Del Bel Cury AA, Tabchoury CPM. Low‐fluoride toothpaste and deciduous enamel demineralization under biofilm accumulation and sucrose exposure. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 370–375. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci Because low‐fluoride toothpaste (500 p.p.m. F) has not clearly been shown to be effective for controlling caries in caries‐active children, this experimental in situ study was conducted to evaluate whether its effect, when compared with a conventional toothpaste (1,000–1,500 p.p.m. F), would depend on the cariogenic challenge. During four phases of 14 d each, 14 volunteers used 500 or 1,100 p.p.m. F toothpaste and wore palatal appliances containing deciduous enamel slabs, on which biofilm was accumulated and exposed to 20% sucrose solution at frequencies increasing from two to eight times per day. The F concentration was determined in the biofilm formed, and enamel demineralization was assessed by surface hardness loss (%SHL) and integrated area of hardness × lesion depth (ΔS). The F uptake by enamel was also determined. Fluoride in biofilm fluid and solids was statistically higher when conventional F toothpaste was used. The toothpastes did not differ statistically in terms of %SHL, ΔS, and F in enamel, but only the conventional F toothpaste significantly reduced caries‐lesion progression according to the frequency of sucrose exposure. The findings suggest that the high‐F availability in biofilm, resulting from the use of conventional toothpaste compared with low‐F toothpaste, may be important for reducing caries‐lesion progression in conjunction with a high frequency of sucrose exposure.