PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF A SMART THERMO-RESPONSIVE FLUORIDE-RELEASING POLOXAMER-BASED GEL

The effective role of fluoride in the prevention of dental demineralization has been widely documented over the last 80 years. Many studies report substanzial reductions in dental caries in developed countries after the use of both systemic and topical fluoride applications became widespread. Systemic fluoride intake during the pre-eruptive phase appears to give remarkable benefits on dental tissue mineralization, preventing decay in dental grooves and interproximal areas. Fluoride remains in the oral cavity after topical application, in the form of deposits of calcium-fluoride complexes covered by a protein layer. When the oral pH decreases, the slow releases of fluoride from protein-covered deposits begins. Augmented fluoride concentration allows the re-mineralization of tooth surfaces, preventing caries. The paper presents an innovative thermo-responsive fluoride-releasing dental material, based on a smart poloxamer, capable of releasin fluoride when applied to the teeth. Due to their temperature-dependent physical state, poloxamers doped with fluoride might be an interesting product for delivering topical fluoride.