Evaluation of Cariostatic Disciplines for Postradiation Caries

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Abstract
Caries-preventive disciplines for patients with radiation-induced xerostomia were evaluated using a modified intraoral cariogenicity test (ICT). Bovine enamel slabs were mounted in the prosthetic obturators of 2 subjects. The effectiveness of 1% neutral fluoride gel was compared to synthetic saliva containing 3, 10 or 30 ppm fluoride. The cariogenic attack was evaluated from the change of surface microhardness and the microbial plaque was assessed for total bacteria, total streptococci, Streptococcus mutans, S. salivarius, lactobacilli, yeast and enterics. No appreciable ecologic changes were found. Synthetic saliva with 10 and 30 ppm fluoride proved to be as effective as 1% fluoride gel in resisting microhardness changes.