Fluoride Concentration and pH in Fluoride Mouthrinses Available in Peru

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the fluoride concentration and the pH of three differents brands of mouthrinses available in Lima, Peru: Listermint®, Cepacol® with fluoride, and Reach®.

METHODS: Fifteen samples of fluoride mouthrinses from different batches were evaluated: Listermint (5), Cepacol with fluoride (5), and Reach (5).

Fluoride was separated using the microdiffusion method and analized with a fluoride-specific electrod. In order to determine the pH of the mouthrinses, a pHmeter was used.

RESULTS: The comparison between the data obtained on the study and the values registered by the manufacturer are shown on the table.  pH values were obtained on the study but not reported by the manufacturers.

For each brand, the concentration of NaF registered in the study on regard of percentage and p.p.m. was statistically higher than the concentration reported by the manufacturer.  Statistically significant differences were found when comparing the 3 brands.

As for pH, Reach mouthrinses were the most acid with a mean pH of 6.19, and Cepacol mouthrinses were the most basic with a mean pH of 7.14.  The comparison between the 3 brands also showed statistically significant differences.

** statistically high  significant (p<0.001)

*statistically significant (p<0.05)

CONCLUSIONS: On regard of the concentration of NaF, there were statistically significant differences for each brand and between  the three types of mouthrinses; this should be considered in order to select the most suitable mouthrinse for each patient.  We suggest to perform more studies in order to identify the best pH values for the fluoride mouthrinses to optimize their efficacy.