The study group was instructed to brush according to their standard technique. Interdental saliva samples were collected for evaluation, and the results were described as the area under the curve in a diagram with time (0–60 min) on the x-axis and fluoride concentration (ppm) on the y-axis. Toothbrushing with 2 cm of toothpaste, performed during 2 minutes and finished by rinsing with 10 ml of water resulted in the highest saliva fluoride concentration interdentally, while the use of 1 cm of toothpaste, brushing performed during 1 minute and rinsing with 20 ml of water provided the lowest concentration.

 

The results also present a higher fluoride concentration in samples collected after using paste and gel, compared with foam. The results from this study present a significant impact on interproximal fluoride concentration depending on the amount of toothpaste, brushing duration and the amount of water for rinsing. The type of toothpaste also seems to matter. The authors stress the importance of providing this information to patients to optimise their use of fluoridated toothpaste.