Neutron activation analysis of fluoride release after treatment with a fluoride varnish in vitro.

Objective: To use neutron activation analysis to study a new type of cariostatic material, fluoride varnish, in terms of its anti-caries mechanism and its release in vitro.

Materials And Methods: Twenty enamel specimens were measured for baseline fluoride content using neutron activation analysis. The enamel specimens were then fluoridated with 1.5% sodium fluoride varnish for 24 hours, and their enamel fluoride content was measured again with neutron activation analysis.

Results: The baseline fluoride content in the enamel specimens was 161.7 micrograms/g; after fluoridation, the fluoride content in the enamel specimens increased to 277.8 micrograms/g, or about 1.7 times.

Conclusion: It is evident that this sodium fluoride varnish can significantly increase enamel fluoride content. The neutron activation analysis is a good method for fluoride measurement in vitro.