Fluoride toothpastes containing micrometric or nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate reduce enamel erosion in vitro

Objective: To evaluate the effect of fluoride toothpastes supplemented with micrometric or nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP or TMPnano, respectively) on enamel erosion in vitro, as well as the influence of salivary acquired pellicle and saliva.

Material and methods: Bovine enamel blocks (n?=?120) were randomly assigned into the following experimental toothpastes: no F/TMP/TMPnano (Placebo); 1100?ppm F (1100?ppm F); 1100?ppm F plus 3% TMP or 3% TMPnano (1100 TMP or 1100 TMPnano, respectively) and 5000?ppm F (5000?ppm F). Erosive challenge was performed by immersion of the blocks in citric acid for 5?min, followed by 2?h immersion in human or artificial saliva, 4×/day, during 5 days. After each erosive challenge, blocks were exposed to slurries of the toothpastes. Enamel erosion (µm), surface hardness (SHf) and cross-sectional hardness (ΔKHN) were analyzed as response variables and the data were submitted to two-way ANOVA, followed by the Student–Newman–Keuls test (p?Results: 1100 TMPnano significantly reduced enamel loss when compared to 1100 TMP (p?=?.002), reaching values similar to those promoted by 5000?ppm F (p?=?.96). 1100?ppm F presented significantly lower enamel loss than Placebo (p?p?p?Conclusion: The addition of 3% TMPnano to 1100?ppm F toothpastes significantly increases the protective effect against enamel erosion in vitro when compared with its counterparts with micrometric TMP or without TMP. This effect was not influenced by the presence of acquired enamel pellicle and saliva.     

Ultrasonic assessment of the effects of self-assembling peptide scaffolds on preventing enamel demineralization

Objectives. This study evaluates the effect of self-assembling peptide P₁₁-4 (Curodont Repair, CDR) on bovine enamel remineralization by measuring changes in ultrasonic propagation velocity. Methods. Six specimens per group were prepared by sectioning bovine teeth into enamel blocks. These blocks were then immersed in lactic acid buffer solution (pH = 4.75) for 10 min twice a day and stored in artificial saliva. Other specimens were first treated with CDR, followed by a 10-min immersion in the lactic acid buffer solution twice a day, before storage in artificial saliva. The propagation time of longitudinal ultrasonic waves was measured using a pulser/receiver. Six specimens were used for each treatment protocol. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s honestly significant difference tests (α = 0.05). Specimens were observed using laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Results. Sonic velocity was found to decrease with time for specimens stored in the demineralizing solution. On the other hand, increases in sonic velocity were found for specimens treated with CDR. These specimens also exhibited signs of mineral deposition. Conclusions. By measuring the ultrasonic propagation velocity, it can be concluded that CDR application has an ability to promote bovine enamel remineralization.     

Prevention of erosion and abrasion by a high fluoride concentration gel applied at high frequencies

The aim of this study was to determine maximum attainable protection of enamel from erosion and erosion abrasion using a highly fluoridated gel with and without additional fluoride from toothpaste. Thirty-six bovine enamel specimens were subjected to six erosive attacks per day (1% citric acid with pH 2.3 for 30 s), while the rest of the day the specimens were in artificial saliva. There were four treatment groups (9 specimens in each group): fluoride-free toothpaste/saliva slurry twice daily (group T0), fluoride-containing toothpaste/saliva slurry twice daily using 1,250 ppm F toothpaste (group TF), fluoride-containing toothpaste/saliva slurry twice per day plus application of a highly fluoridated gel (12,500 ppm F) twice a day for 120 s (group 2F) and a group with gel application 8 times a day (group 8F). Additionally, half of each specimen in all groups was subjected to brushing abrasion during application of the toothpaste/saliva slurry. Brushing abrasion alone led to no observable enamel loss measured with profilometry. After 14 days of cycling of erosion without toothbrushing abrasion, high-fluoride gel application 2 or 8 times daily showed significantly less enamel loss (median 24/19 microm) than with toothpaste with or without fluoride (41/45 microm). After 14 days of cycling of erosion and toothbrushing abrasion, gel application 2 or 8 times daily (33/29 microm) showed significantly less enamel loss than toothpaste with or without fluoride (57/62 microm). We conclude that a highly fluoridated acidic gel is able to protect enamel from erosion and toothbrushing abrasion while fluoridated tooth paste provides little protection.     

Anticaries effect of toothpaste with nano-sized sodium hexametaphosphate

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a fluoride toothpaste containing nano-sized sodium hexametaphosphate (HMPnano) on enamel demineralization on the biochemical composition and insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) in biofilm formed in situ.

Methods

This crossover double-blind study consisted of four phases (7 days each), in which 12 volunteers wore intraoral appliances containing four enamel bovine blocks. The cariogenic challenge was performed using 30% sucrose solution (6×/day). Blocks were treated 3×/day with the following toothpastes: no F/HMP/HMPnano (Placebo), conventional fluoride toothpaste, 1100 ppm F (1100F), 1100F + 0.5% micrometric HMP (1100F/HMP), and 1100F + 0.5% nano-sized HMP (1100F/HMPnano). The percentage of surface hardness loss (%SH), integrated loss of subsurface hardness (ΔKHN), and enamel calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and fluoride (F) were determined. Moreover, biofilms formed on the blocks were analyzed for F, Ca, P, and insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) concentrations. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Student–Newman–Keuls’ test (p < 0.001).

Results

1100F/HMPnano promoted the lowest %SH and ΔKHN among all groups (p < 0.001). The addition of HMPnano to 1100F significantly increased Ca concentrations (p < 0.001). The 1100F/HMPnano promoted lower values of EPS when compared with 1100F (~ 70%) (p < 0.001) and higher values of fluoride and calcium in the biofilms (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

1100F/HMPnano demonstrated a greater protective effect against enamel demineralization and on the composition of biofilm in situ when compared to 1100F toothpaste.

Clinical relevance

This toothpaste could be a viable alternative to patients at high risk of caries.

     

Caries Preventive Effects of Theobromine Containing Toothpaste on Early Childhood Caries: Preliminary Results

ObjectiveEnamel remineralizing effects of theobromine have received much attention from the clinicians. The aim of this study was to investigate the caries preventive effect of theobromine containing toothpaste on children with early childhood caries (ECC).Material and MethodsSalivary pH, buffering capacity and frequency of Streptococcus mutans (SM) levels were measured. Each child was assigned either fluoridated or theobromine containing toothpaste. The changes were analyzed using Laser Fluorescence system. Statistical analyses were performed.ResultsWe included 13 children (mean age 4.25) with 145 teeth in the fluoridated toothpaste (Colgate Kids toothpaste) group; 13 children (mean age 4.46) with 115 teeth in theobromine containing toothpaste (Theodent^TMKids toothpaste) group. Both toothpastes demonstrated enamel remineralization and were effective in increasing the buffering capacity and pH (p < 0.05). A statistically significant decrease in S. mutans levels was found in both toothpaste groups (p<0.05).ConclusionBoth toothpaste group showed a statistically significant amount of enamel remineralization. Since theobromine had the added benefits of increasing the salivary pH and decreasing the S.mutans levels, theobromine containing toothpastes can be considered effective agents in remineralizing white spot lesions and can be used in prevention of early enamel lesions.Key words: Toothpastes, Theobromine, Tooth Remineralization, Preventive Dentistry, Preschool Child     

Dual-functional adhesive containing amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles and dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate promoted enamel remineralization in a biofilm-challenged environment

ObjectiveThe cariogenic biofilm on enamel, restoration, and bonding interface is closely related to dental caries and composite restoration failure. Enamel remineralization at adhesive interface is conducive to protecting bonding interface and inhibiting secondary caries. This study intended to assess the remineralization efficiency of adhesive with dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) and nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) on initial caries lesion of biofilm-coated enamel.MethodsArtificial initial carious lesion was created via 72-hour immersion in demineralization solution and cariogenic biofilm was formed after 24-hour culture of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Specimens were then divided into 4 groups: enamel control, enamel treated with NACP, DMAHDM and NACP+DMAHDM respectively. Samples next underwent 7-day cycling, 4 h in BHIS (brain heart infusion broth containing 1 % sucrose) and 20 h in AS (artificial saliva) per day. The pH of BHIS was tested daily. So did the concentration of calcium and phosphate in BHIS and AS. Live/dead staining, colony-forming unit (CFU) count, and lactic acid production of biofilms were measured 7 days later. The enamel remineralization efficiency was evaluated by microhardness testing and transverse microradiography (TMR) quantitatively.ResultsEnamel of NACP+DMAHDM group demonstrated excellent remineralization effectiveness. And the NACP+DMAHDM adhesive released a great number of Ca²⁺ and PO₄^3- ions, increased pH to 5.81 via acid neutralization, decreased production of lactic acid, and reduced CFU count of S. mutans (P < 0.05).SignificanceThe NACP+DMAHDM adhesive would be applicable to preventing secondary caries, strengthening enamel-adhesive interface, and extending the lifespan of composite restoration.     

Effectiveness and acid/tooth brushing resistance of in-office desensitizing treatments—A hydraulic conductance study

ObjectiveTo evaluate dentin permeability and tubule occlusion of in-office desensitizing treatments, and to analyze their resistance to erosive/abrasive challenges.DesignNinety-one 1mm-thick dentin discs were immersed in EDTA solution for 5 min. After analyzing the maximum dentin permeability, the specimens were randomly allocated into 7 experimental groups (n = 10): Control (no treatment); Er,Cr:YSGG laser; Nd:YAG laser; Gluma Desensitizer; Duraphat; Pro-Argin toothpaste; Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate (CSP) paste. The post-treatment permeability was assessed and then the specimens were subjected to a 5-day erosion-abrasion cycling protocol: 4x/day of immersion in citric acid solution (5 min;0.3%), followed by exposure to clarified human saliva (60 min). After the first and last acid challenges, specimens were brushed for 15 s, with exposure to the toothpaste slurry for total time of 2 min. Dentin permeability was re-measured (post-cycling). Percentage of dentin permeability for each experimental time was calculated in relation to the maximum permeability (%Lp). Data were analyzed with 2-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). Surface modifications were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.ResultsIn both experimental time CSP paste and Gluma Desensitizer did not differ from each other (p = 0.0874), and were the only groups that presented significantly lower %Lp than the Control (p = 0.026 and p = 0.022, respectively). After treatment, they were able to reduce dentin permeability in 82% and 72%, respectively. The %Lp post-cycling was higher than post-treatment value for all groups (p = 0.008). Dentin permeability increased 21% for CSP paste and 12% for Gluma, but they remained significant different from Control. Deposits on the surface were observed for CSP paste; and for Gluma, tubule diameters were shown to be smaller.ConclusionsCSP paste and Gluma Desensitizer were the only treatments able to decrease dentin permeability post-treatment and to sustain low permeability post-cycling.     

A randomised controlled trial to investigate the remineralising potential of Tooth Mousse™ in orthodontic patients

Objective: To investigate the remineralisation of enamel subsurface lesions treated with fluoride toothpaste (1450 ppm) or a combination of fluoride toothpaste in addition to Tooth Mousse?.

Design: An in situ, cross-over, randomised controlled trial.

Setting: Orthodontic department at Liverpool University Dental Hospital, UK. Participants: Twelve patients receiving fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods: Demineralised subsurface enamel lesions were placed in a carrier and attached onto a fixed orthodontic appliance. Interventions were either standard fluoride toothpaste or CPP-ACP paste (Tooth Mousse?) in addition to the fluoride toothpaste. Participants received both interventions in a randomised order. Transverse microradiography analysis was used to compare lesion mineral content profiles.

Results: Mineral loss was reduced by 15.4 and 24.6% between the fluoride and CPP-ACP groups, respectively (p = 0.023). Lesion depth was reduced by 1.6 and 11.1% between the fluoride and CPP-ACP groups, respectively (p = 0.037). Lesion width was reduced by 4.5 and 15.3% between the fluoride and CPP-ACP groups, respectively (p = 0.015).

Conclusions: Remineralisation occurred regardless of treatment group allocation. However, the addition of Tooth Mousse? resulted in a significantly increased remineralisation effect, compared to fluoride alone. Tooth Mousse? may be beneficial for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment who are at high risk of demineralisation.

Trial Registration: Registered on Current Control Trials http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN04899524     

The Effect of Salivary Calcium and Fluoride Toothpaste on the Formation of KOH-Soluble Fluoride: In Vitro Study

Objective

The aim of this in vitro preliminary study was to assess the effect of smokers’ saliva (assuming their higher calcium concentration) in combination with fluoridated toothpaste on the enamel uptake of alkali-soluble (KOH-soluble) fluoride.

Materials and methods

Four enamel slabs were cut from each of 14 impacted third molars and randomly assigned into 4 groups. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from two age and sex matched volunteers. One of the samples was taken from a heavy smoker and the other sample was taken from a non-smoker. Two groups (A and B) were shaken in saliva (A in smoker''s saliva, B in nonsmoker''s saliva) for 5 min and then shaken for 3 min in a toothpaste/deionized water slurry (1:3 w/w). One of the groups (group C) received no saliva treatment and was only shaken in toothpaste slurry for 3 min. The treatment was repeated after a 6-hour period. One of the groups (D) served as a control group with no treatment.

Results

Calcium concentration in the smoker’s saliva was higher than in the nonsmoker’s saliva. The enamel uptake of KOH-soluble fluoride in group A was significantly higher than that in the other two treatment groups, B and C. The enamel uptake of KOH-soluble fluoride in all 3 groups was statistically different from that in the control group.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that saliva collected from a heavy smoker, which had higher salivary calcium concentration, enhances enamel uptake of alkali-soluble fluoride and encourages us to conduct a large-scale study.Key words: Salivary calcium, fluoride, smoking, enamel     

Shear bond strength of resin composite to enamel and dentin submitted to a carbamide peroxide dentifrice

PURPOSE: To assess the shear bond strength of resin composite to human enamel and dentin after using a whitening dentifrice containing carbamide peroxide for 21 days. METHODS: Thirty enamel and 30 dentin slabs were embedded, flattened and randomly divided into three groups (n=10) that received different treatments: carbamide peroxide containing dentifrice (Rembrandt Plus), fluoride containing dentifrice (Close Up with fluoride), and immersion in artificial saliva as the control group. Applications were made for a 15-minute period daily, immersing the slabs in a suspension with distilled water and dentifrice in the ratio of 3:1 (weight) for 21 days. For the rest of the time, the slabs were kept in an artificial saliva solution. After the last application, an adhesive system (Single Bond) was used to bond resin-based composite cylinders (Z100) to the enamel and dentin surfaces for the shear bond strength tests. These tests were carried out in a universal testing machine at a speed of 0.5 mm/minute. RESULTS: ANOVA and the Tukey test for enamel and Kruskal-Wallis and the Dunn Method for dentin, showed significant differences between slabs treated with Rembrandt Plus (REM) and the artificial saliva control group, with higher values for REM (P < 0.05). There were no differences in mean bond strengths of enamel and dentin treated with Close Up with fluoride (CLO) and REM, nor were any differences shown between CLO and the artificial saliva control group. A whitening dentifrice containing carbamide peroxide increased the bond strength of restorative systems.     

Enhanced enamel benefits from a novel fluoride toothpaste

Objectives : Through the understanding of tooth enamel science and insights into the beneficial role calcium can play in the caries process, a novel fluoride toothpaste has been developed containing micro‐calcium. This paper describes a series of in vitro studies to assess delivery of the micro‐calcium to a plaque biofilm, delivery of radiolabelled micro‐calcium to subsurface enamel lesions and the rehardening of acid softened enamel by this novel toothpaste. Two clinical studies evaluated the delivery of calcium to the mouth. Methods : Uptake of micro‐calcium to a plaque biofilm was assessed using a Calgary Biofilm Device and measuring the calcium levels delivered to the biofilm from the micro‐calcium containing toothpaste, a calcium carbonate toothpaste, a silica toothpaste or water controls. Sound and subsurface enamel lesions were treated with ⁴⁵Ca labelled micro‐calcium toothpaste in an in vitro pH cycling study and the uptake of labelled calcium determined. Acid softened enamel specimens were treated with either the micro‐calcium containing toothpaste, a calcium carbonate toothpaste or a non‐fluoride silica toothpaste in an in vitro remineralisation protocol and the changes in surface microhardness measured. Calcium delivery in vivo was determined in two double‐blind, randomised cross‐over studies. Subjects brushed their teeth for one minute with either the micro‐calcium containing toothpaste or a silica toothpaste. Immediately after brushing and at fixed time intervals up to one hour, unstimulated saliva samples were taken and the total calcium concentration determined. Results : Significantly (p<0.05) more calcium was delivered to a plaque biofilm from the micro‐calcium containing toothpaste than the controls. The radiolabelled micro‐calcium study demonstrated the uptake of calcium to subsurface enamel lesions. In the remineralisation study, acid softened enamel became significantly harder (p<0.05) following treatment with the micro‐calcium containing toothpaste than compared to the control toothpastes. It was shown in the two clinical studies that more calcium was delivered to the mouth following the use of the micro‐calcium containing toothpaste than compared to the silica toothpaste. The product differences were in excess of 50% and were of statistical significance (p<0.001). Conclusions : The studies show that the new toothpaste containing micro‐calcium delivered elevated levels of calcium to the mouth, promoted enhanced remineralisation of demineralised enamel lesions and thus can help repair early signs of tooth decay.     

Effect of a xylitol and fluoride containing toothpaste on the remineralization of human enamel in vitro

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a fluoride and xylitol containing toothpaste on the remineralization of human enamel using Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF). Human extracted teeth were cut longitudinally into three or four parts, and artificial subsurface lesion windows (2 mm x 3 mm) were created by immersion in demineralizing solution. Each enamel sample (n = 7) was treated for 3 min at 25 degrees C twice a day for consecutive 14 days with the slurry of a silica-based toothpaste 1) without F- and xylitol (blank), 2) with 500 ppm F- and 3) with 500 ppm F- and 5% xylitol toothpaste. In addition, we measured the remineralization ability of a commercially available toothpaste 4) with 500 ppm F-. The average fluorescence loss F (%) and lesion size (mm2) were determined with QLF. Another variable, delta Q, which was defined as the fluorescence loss integrated over the lesion size (%, mm2), was calculated. The results showed that the combination of 500 ppm F- and 5% xylitol toothpaste significantly (P < 0.05) recovered both the size and delta Q compared to the other groups. These findings suggested that inclusion of xylitol in fluoride toothpaste might be useful to enhance the remineralization in vivo.     

Effect of Aging on Bond Strength of Two Soft Lining Materials to a Denture Base Polymer

The purpose of this study was evaluation the effect of immersion in distilled water and inorganic artificial saliva on the shear bond strength of a heat-polymerized and an auto-polymerized silicone-based denture lining materials. The denture liners investigated were Molloplast-B (heat-polymerized), and Mollosil plus (auto-polymerized). The soft liner specimens were 10 × 10 × 2.5 mm and were processed between two poly(methylmethacrylate) plates. Thirty shear specimens for each type of test lining material were prepared. Specimens were divided equally into three groups for each test lining material: first group, specimens were tested after 48 h of preparation without immersion; second group, specimens were tested following immersion in distilled water at 37 °C for 12 months; and third group, specimens were tested following immersion in inorganic artificial saliva at 37 °C for 12 months. Shear bond strength was measured using an universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 40 mm/min and failure mode (adhesive, cohesive and mixed) after debonding was assessed. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α = 0.05). ANOVA was followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests for pairwise comparisons. A significant difference in shear bond strength was detected between Molloplast-B and Mollosil plus following immersion in distilled water and artificial saliva. Molloplast-B demonstrated considerably higher shear strength than Mollosil plus after immersion. Shear strengths of the lining materials investigated reduced significantly after immersion in both solutions. Visual examination after separation revealed that the soft materials tested exhibited mostly adhesive failure. The effect of immersion in distilled water and inorganic artificial saliva on bond strength of test lining materials was perceivable; however, both of them had acceptable bond strength and might be proper for long-term use.

     

The potential of deciduous and permanent bovine enamel as substitute for deciduous and permanent human enamel: Erosion-abrasion experiments

Aim of the present study was to compare toothbrushing abrasion of eroded human and bovine enamel utilizing a toothpaste slurry. The surfaces of each 36 teeth from cattle and calves and from each 36 human wisdom teeth and deciduous teeth were polished. Each 12 specimens from the respective tooth type were used for assessing toothbrushing abrasion only (A), erosion only (E) and the combination of erosion and toothbrushing abrasion (EA). The EA samples were subjected to 20 cycles comprising a demineralization/remineralization procedure directly followed by toothbrushing abrasion (100 strokes, 300 g load, toothpaste slurry: 3 ml artificial saliva mixed with 1g dentifrice). Demineralization in form of erosion was performed with 1% citric acid (1 min), remineralization with artificial saliva (15 min). Between the cycles, the samples were stored in artificial saliva. Wear of the treated surfaces with reference to untreated areas was determined profilometrically. The samples subjected to abrasion only (A) did not show a significantly different wear between the different kinds of teeth. The comparisons of substance loss between teeth of different species revealed that hard tissue loss of the human deciduous teeth was significantly lower as compared to calves' teeth after both erosion and erosion-abrasion. Also, both erosion only and erosion-abrasion caused higher enamel loss in cattle's teeth than in human wisdom teeth. It is concluded that human eroded enamel offers better resistance against brushing than bovine enamel.     

Retention of KOH-soluble fluoride formed after application of a SnCl2/AmF/NaF containing mouth rinse under erosive conditions

Abstract

Objective. Application of SnCl₂/AmF/NaF containing mouth rinse showed good protection against erosion. The aim of the study was to evaluate if this is due to the amount of KOH-soluble fluoride (KOHsF) formed or its resistance under erosive conditions. Methods. One hundred and fifty bovine enamel samples were allocated to five groups (n = 30) and were once eroded in 0.05 mol/l citric acid (5 min). Samples were stored in artificial saliva for 4 days. Samples of two groups (erosive-SnCl₂ + erosive-NaF) were eroded 6 × for 5 min. The remaining samples were stored in aqua dest deionised water. Each day the samples were treated twice for 2 min with 1 ml SnCl₂/AmF/NaF-solution (erosive-SnCl₂;neutral-SnCl₂/AmF/NaF) or NaF-solution (erosive-NaF;neutral-NaF). The fifth group remained untreated (control). On day 5, 10 samples of each group were used for determination of KOHsF (series 1). The remaining samples were again eroded (erosive-SnCl₂ + erosive-NaF) or stored in artificial saliva (neutral-SnCl₂ + neutral-NaF). KOHsF of another 10 samples of each group was measured (series 2). The last 10 samples of each group were also treated as described above and the amount of KOHsF was measured (series 3). Results. In each series 1–3 KOHsF in group erosive-SnCl₂/AmF/NaF were significantly higher. No significant loss of KOHsF between the series 1–3 was observed (except for control). Conclusion. SnCl₂/AmF/NaF containing mouth rinse revealed a better formation of KOH-soluble fluoride as the NaF-solution, although the applied fluoride compound has no influence on the stability of the KOHsF under erosive conditions, leading to the conclusion that the resistance of KOHsF is not responsible for the difference in the protection against dental erosion.     

Fluoride varnishes containing sodium trimetaphosphate reduce enamel demineralization in vitro

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of fluoride varnishes containing sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) on bovine enamel demineralization in vitro.

Material and methods: Enamel bovine discs were randomly assigned into six groups (n?=?20/group): placebo, 2.5% NaF, 2.5% NaF/5% TMP, 5% NaF, 5% NaF/5% TMP, and a commercial formulation (Duraphat, 5% NaF). Varnishes were applied on all enamel discs and kept for 6?h. Loosely and firmly bound fluoride formed on/in enamel after treatment were analyzed in 10 discs from each group. The other 10 discs were subjected to a pH-cycling regimen for 7 days, and analyzed for surface (SH) and cross-sectional hardness (ΔKHN), as well as for loosely and firmly bound fluoride in/on enamel. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Student–Newman–Keuls’ test (p?Results: The lowest SH change and ΔKHN were observed for the 5%NaF/5%TMP varnish, which was significantly different from all the other groups. Both fluoridated varnishes containing TMP promoted significantly lower SH change and ΔKHN when compared with their counterparts without TMP. Loosely and firmly bound fluoride was significantly lower in groups treated with varnishes containing TMP.

Conclusion: TMP and fluoride added to varnishes have a synergistic effect against enamel demineralization in vitro.     

In vitro assessment of artificial saliva formulations on initial enamel erosion remineralization

Objectives

Various formulations of artificial saliva are present in the literature and little guidance is available on the standardization of type of saliva for use in in vitro protocols for erosive studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the remineralizing capacity of different formulations of artificial saliva on initial enamel erosive lesion.

Methods

Bovine enamel blocks were subjected to short-term acidic exposure by immersion in citric acid 0.05 M (pH 2.5) for 15 s, resulting in surface softening without tissue loss. Then 90 selected eroded enamel blocks were randomly and equally divided into 6 groups according to saliva formulation (n = 15): Saliva 1 (contain mucin); Saliva 2 (Saliva 1 without mucin); Saliva 3; Saliva 4; Saliva 5 (contain sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) and control (C) (deionized water). After demineralization enamel blocks were subjected to remineralization by immersion in the saliva's formulations for 2 h. Enamel remineralization was measured by superficial hardness test (% superficial hardness change). The data were tested using ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05).

Results

All the tested formulations of artificial saliva resulted in significantly higher enamel remineralization compared to control (p < 0.001). Saliva 3 showed higher percentage of enamel remineralization than Saliva 5 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Besides the variety of artificial saliva for erosion in vitro protocols, all the formulations tested were able to partially remineralize initial erosive lesions.     

Effect of olive oil and an olive-oil-containing fluoridated mouthrinse on enamel and dentin erosion in vitro

Objective. The study aimed to analyse the impact of olive oil and an olive-oil-containing fluoridated mouthrinse on enamel and dentin erosion. Material and Methods. Bovine enamel and dentin specimens were submitted to 10 alternating demineralization and remineralization cycles each consisting of 5 min pretreatment with the test solutions, i.e. distilled water as negative control, 100% olive oil, 2% olive oil emulsion, 2% olive-oil-containing mouthrinse (Xerostom®), acidic 13.2 mmol·l^?1 (250 ppm) fluoride solution as positive control, storage in artificial saliva (30 min), demineralization in citric acid (3 min, pH 2.3) and again storage in artificial saliva (60 min). Each group contained 10 enamel and dentin samples. Enamel and dentin loss was analyzed by profilometry after 10 cycles. Results. Treatment with 100% olive oil was not effective in reducing enamel and dentin loss. Application of 2% olive oil or the olive-oil-containing mouthrinse also showed protection against erosion, but to a lesser degree compared to the positive control. Conclusion. Olive oil offered protection against enamel and dentin erosion when applied as 2% emulsion or 2% olive-oil-containing mouthrinse, but is not effective when applied as pure oil (100%). However, 2% olive oil emulsion is less effective in reducing erosion compared to the acidic 13.2 mol·l^?1 fluoride solution.     

Assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of conventional and whitening kinds of toothpaste on oral mucosa cells

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate possible DNA damages to oral epithelial cells exposed to whitening kinds of toothpaste considering the effect of conventional non-whitening toothpaste.

Materials and methods: Sixty volunteers were assigned into three experimental groups, each of them using a different regular toothpaste for the initial 2 months, followed by the use of whitening kind of toothpaste of the same brand for next 2 months. The oral epithelial cells were sampled prior and 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after the beginning of the use of tested kinds of toothpaste. Chromosomal damages were analyzed by micronucleus assay.

Results: For just one kind of tested whitening toothpaste was observed the significant increase in the number of micronucleated cells after 60 days of use compared values obtained 60 days of usage of conventional non-whitening toothpaste (6.35?±?3.67 and 2.8?±?1.91; p?Conclusions: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the use of certain whitening kinds of toothpaste may cause a limited biologically insignificant genotoxic effect on buccal epithelial cells.     

The use of calcium-silicate cements to reduce dentine permeability

ObjectiveTo evaluate in vitro the effectiveness of different calcium-silicate (CS) cements specifically designed for dentine permeability reduction.DesignFifty dentine discs were prepared from caries free human molars extracted for surgical reasons. The treatment consisted in applying two different experimental CS cements on dentine surface. Dentine discs treated only with EDTA served as negative control group. Treatment with D-Sense Crystal and Clearfil S³-Bond served as positive control groups. After treatment samples were immersed in artificial saliva. The quantitative changes in the hydraulic conductance (i.e. permeability) through dentinal tubules were quantified using a hydrostatic device working at 6.9 kPa. Dentine permeability was measured immediately after EDTA treatment, 10 min and 1 week after treatment application and immersion of dentine samples in artificial saliva. SEM/EDX analyses were performed to obtain qualitative information on dentine morphology and surface deposits.ResultsThe experimental CS cements reduced dentine permeability immediately after application and also 10 min and 1 week after the immersion of the specimens in artificial saliva. D-Sense Crystal and Clearfil S³-Bond showed higher levels of dentine permeability after 1 week of immersion in artificial saliva.ConclusionsCS cements reduced dentine permeability in vitro even after immersion in artificial saliva, which makes them new valuable candidates for treatment of dentine hypersensitivity in vivo.