Fluoride Increases Proliferation and Migration of Epithelial Cells in vitro

Objective: Fluoride retained in oral environment after topical fluoride application is maintained at micromolar level for several hours. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of micromolar level sodium fluoride on the proliferation and migration of oral epithelial and fibroblast cells. Methods: Human epithelial cells (Primary Human Oral Keratinocytes and HaCaT cell line) and human fibroblast cells (Normal Human Diploid Fibroblast and Primary Gingival Fibroblast Cells) were cultured in the presence of fluoride at various concentrations for 24h and 48h. The effect of fluoride on proliferation of cells was measured by MTS assay. Cell motility and migration of cells were determined by wound healing assay. The effect of fluoride on cell invasion was examined by in vitro invasion assay. Results: Micromolar level NaF enhanced proliferation of epithelial cells, but not fibroblasts. Wound healing assay showed that micromolar level NaF increased the motility and migration of epithelial cells. It also increased the invasive cells, although small in number. Conclusion: This study showed that micromolar level sodium fluoride promoted the proliferation and migration on epithelial cells.