• Nuttar Raitim D.D.S.
• Busayarat Santiwong D.D.S., Ph.D.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether application of glass ionomer sealant
could affect the fluoride content and mutans streptococci level in dental plaque of erupting lower
permanent molar.

Materials and methods The sample consisted of 45 partially erupted lower second permanent molars
in high-caries-risk children, aged 10 to 13 years. The erupting molar was sealed with glass ionomer
sealant. Dental plaque samples were collected before and on the 7^th day, 14^th day, and 28^th day after
sealant application. The fluoride content of the plaque samples were measured by the modified
microdiffusion technique. In addition, the levels of mutans streptococci were analyzed using Dentocult
SM^®-strip mutans.

Results The plaque fluoride levels after application of glass ionomer were significantly higher than the
baseline level (p < 0.05). It was found that the fluoride content on the 7th day had the highest level and
gradually declined over time. There was a significant decrease of mutans streptococci levels after
applying sealant at each time of examination compared to baseline (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion Sealing on partially erupted lower second molars with glass ionomer has significantly
increased the fluoride level and reduced mutans streptococci level in dental plaque.

(CU Dent J. 2010;33:31-40)