120 - Calcium Release of Experimental Dental Varnishes

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of Ca2+ released by the newly introduced, take home, care-giver applied Ca2+ and xylitol varnishes.​

Methods: Two varnishes, an experimental calcium varnish and FluoroCal, were tested with and without the addition of xylitol. 10 specimens were made for each of the four groups. Calcium release was measured with the Orion meter (calcium electrode) and statistically compared.

Results: The experimental varnish without xylitol released more calcium than the experimental varnish with xylitol. A multiple range test estimated that the difference between the two samples was significant. For FluoroCal, there was no difference in calcium release between the datasets with or without xylitol. Overall, the experimental varnishes released significantly more calcium than the FluoroCal (calcium/fluoride commercial varnish). The significant amount of calcium release from the experimental take home varnishes should be beneficial.

Commercial FluoroCal with xylitol averaged 73 ppm, FluoroCal without xylitol averaged 61 ppm, experimental with xylitol averaged 11,329 ppm and experimental without xylitol averaged 12, 817 ppm for calcium release.

Conclusions: The addition of xylitol did not make a significant difference in the calcium release of either varnish but the calcium only varnish released more calcium. A calcium releasing dental varnish for take-home use by caregivers may have significant beneficial results in a dental preventative care program.