An in vitro study on the influence of viscosity and frequency of application of fluoride/tin solutions on the progression of erosion of bovine enamel

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of the viscosity and frequency of application of solutions containing fluoride (F) and stannous chloride (SnCl₂) on enamel erosion prevention.DesignBovine enamel specimens were randomly distributed into 12 groups (n = 10), according to the following study factors: solution (C: deionized water; F: 500 ppm F⁻; F + Sn: 500 ppm F⁻ + 800 ppm Sn²⁺); viscosity (low and high); and frequency of application (once and twice a day). Specimens were submitted to an erosive cycling model, consisting of 5 min immersion in 0.3% citric acid, followed by 60 min exposure to a mineral solution. This procedure was repeated 4×/day, for 5 days. Treatment with the experimental solutions was performed for 2 min, 1×/day or 2×/day. Enamel surface loss (SL) was determined by optical profilometry. Data were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05).ResultsThere were significant differences between the levels of the factor solution (p < .001), viscosity (p < .001) and in the interaction between solution and viscosity (p = .01). Regarding solution, the mean SL ± standard deviation for the groups was F + Sn (4.90 ± 1.12) < F (7.89 ± 1.19) < C (14.20 ± 1.69). High viscosity solutions demonstrated less SL than low viscosity; however, only when applied once a day (p < .001). Applying the solutions twice a day yielded lower SL than once a day, but only for the low viscosity solutions (p = .003).ConclusionsUnder the conditions of this short-term in vitro experiment, it could be concluded that increasing the viscosity of the oral rinse solutions reduced enamel loss by erosion; however, this effect was small and only observed when the solutions were applied once a day.     

The use of the erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser in endodontic treatment: the results of an in vitro study

BACKGROUND: The use of the erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser has become accepted in the field of cavity preparation. The development of miniaturized and flexible fiber tips has allowed this device to be used in endodontics. The authors conducted an in vitro study to assess the effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation on root canals. METHODS: The authors inoculated root canals with two bacteria, laser irradiated them at two power settings and subjected them to a quantitative microbiological evaluation. They used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess morphological changes in endodontically processed and laser-irradiated root canal walls. They measured temperature increases on the root surface to determine possible thermal side effects. RESULTS: The bacteriological evaluation revealed a disinfecting effect in the root dentin samples that was dependent on the output power but not specific for the bacterial species investigated. SEM showed the removal of the smear layer from the root canal walls and the exposure of dentinal tubules. The temperature rise during irradiation was moderate when standardized power settings were used. CONCLUSIONS: The Er,Cr:YSGG laser can be used to eliminate bacteria in root canals. It also effectively removes smear layer and debris from the canal wall. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Practitioners can use the Er,Cr:YSGG laser to prepare root canals for endodontic therapy.     

The effects of treated time of acidulated phosphate fluoride solutions on enamel erosion

The aim of this study was to reevaluate the treatment time of topical application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) solution. Bovine intact enamel was treated with APF solution (pH 3.5, 9,000 ppm F) for 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 min. Fluoride penetration into the enamel was determined using electron probe micro analyser (EPMA), and the hardness of APF-treated demineralized enamel was evaluated via the micro Vickers technique. Micro Vickers hardness (HV) was significantly different in enamel treated with APF for 1 min and that treated for >2 min, and also between enamel treated for 2 and that treated for 3 min in samples demineralized for 2 h. No significant difference in the surface roughness (Ra) by confocal laser scanning microscopy was evident at the 3 and 5 min time points. The results of the EPMA analysis, HV, and Ra tests suggest a clinically beneficial effect of APF when applied for 3 min.     

矿化液、低浓度氟化物溶液和氟泡沫再矿化作用比较

目的本研究对矿化液、低浓度氟化物溶液和氟泡沫再矿化作用进行了比较,从而寻找出一种再矿化效果较好的制剂.方法采用实验室研究,分别用三种制剂处理表面脱矿釉质.应用显微硬度仪检测处理前后的釉质表面硬度值,通过对比前后硬度差异反映脱矿釉质的再矿化的情况.结果矿化液处理后的釉质表面硬度明显增加,有显著性统计学意义.低浓度氟化物溶液和氟泡沫处理后釉质的表面硬度无明显改变.结论在体外,矿化液的再矿化效果优于低浓度氟化物溶液和氟泡沫.它可用于治疗正畸过程中早期釉质脱矿.     

Composite removal by means of erbium,chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser compared with rotary instruments

BackgroundComplete removal of existing composite restorations without unnecessary removal of tooth structure is challenging. The authors compared the amount of tooth structure removed and composite remaining in Class III preparations when using an erbium laser or a rotary instrument.MethodsMesiolingual and distolingual preparations were prepared in 14 extracted anterior teeth, restored with shade-matched composite, finished, and polished. One restoration was removed with an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser and the other with a rotary instrument (handpiece and carbide burs). Gypsum models made from vinyl polysiloxane impressions of the preparation and removal stages were scanned. The 2 scans were precisely aligned to calculate the amount of tooth structure removed and residual composite, which were statistically compared (t test) between the bur and laser groups.ResultsRotary instruments removed significantly more tooth structure than the laser in terms of mean depth (P = .0017) but not maximum depth (P = .0762). Although mean depth of tooth loss was smaller in the laser group, the area of tooth loss was significantly larger (P = .0004) because the rotary instrumentation left significantly more composite than the laser in terms of volume (P = .0104), mean depth (P = .0375), maximum depth (P = .0318), and area (P = .0056).Conclusions and Practical ImplicationsThe erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser was more selective in removing existing composite restorations than a rotary instrument because it removed less tooth structure and left behind less composite. Unintentional loss of tooth structure and unnoticeable residual composite are inevitable when removing existing composites. Erbium lasers are alternative means of composite removal that may be more selective than a rotary instrument.     

Preventive effects of dentifrice containing 5000ppm fluoride against dental erosion in situ

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a dentifrice with 5000 ppm fluoride in preventing dental erosion by orange juice in situ in comparison to a control dentifrice with 1450 ppm fluoride.

Methods

This was a double-blind and randomized clinical study with a cross-over design. Sixteen subjects wore an intra-oral appliance containing two enamel disks with an exposed surface of approximately 2 mm × 5 mm. Enamel disks in the study group were treated with a dentifrice with 5000 ppm fluoride and in the control group with 1450 ppm fluoride. The subjects rinsed with slurries of study dentifrices for one minute before immersing the enamel disks in 250 ml orange Juice four times in an 8-h period daily. The treatment procedure was repeated for three 5-day phases for each dentifrice. Enamel erosion was measured after each 5-day treatment phase using a focus-variation 3D scanning microscopy. Medians and inter-quartile ranges (IQR) of mean erosion depth were compared between the groups.

Results

The mean erosion depths of enamel varied greatly amongst the subjects. Enamel treated with 5000 ppm fluoride had less erosion (median 5.7 μm, IQR 4.5 μm) as compared to the control (median 12.6 μm, IQR 12.3 μm) after 15 days of fluoride treatment and erosive challenge cycles (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Enamel treated with 5000 ppm fluoride had significantly improved resistance to erosion by orange juice. Periodic application of 5000 ppm fluoride may be beneficial in individuals at risk of acidic erosion associated with soft drink consumptions.     

含氟涂料和含氟牙膏对釉面再矿化和抗酸作用的实验研究

目的：观察含氟涂料与含氟牙膏对釉质表面再矿化和抗酸作用。方法：取牛恒切牙制备釉质片;统一酸蚀脱矿后随机分为4组（n＝3）;分别为生理盐水（A组对照）、Duraphat含氟涂料（B组）、Fluor Protector含氟涂料（C组）、含氟牙膏规律处理（D组）;处理期间标本置于人工唾液孵育2周;再次酸蚀;各阶段均用显微硬度仪测定釉面显微硬度、扫描电镜观察釉面,图像分析电镜下釉面微孔隙面积差异;统计分析。结果：首次酸蚀后釉面明显脱矿。分组处理2周,A组釉面再矿化不明显;B组和C组釉面形成涂料保护层;D组釉面可见明显再矿化。再次酸蚀后：A组和D组显微硬度下降,B组和C组涂料保护层有明显抗酸作用。再次酸蚀后,A组和D组釉面微孔隙面积增加（P＜0．05）,但D组小于A组（P＜0．05）;B组、C组无显著变化（P＞0．05）。结论：含氟涂料在釉面形成保护层,具有抗酸蚀和促进釉面再矿化作用;含氟牙膏能促进脱矿釉面再矿化,抗酸作用较弱。     

Effect of fluoride varnish supplemented with sodium trimetaphosphate on enamel erosion and abrasion: An in situ/ex vivo study

Objective

To evaluate the effect of fluoride (F) varnishes supplemented or not with sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) on enamel erosive wear followed or not by abrasion in situ.

Methods

Ten volunteers were selected and randomly divided into four groups, according to the varnishes tested: placebo (no F or TMP), 5% NaF (positive control), 2.5% NaF and 2.5% NaF/5% TMP. Enamel blocks (n = 4) were mounted in palatal devices and received an application of each test varnish, following a double-blind, crossover protocol. After 6 h, varnishes were completely removed and the blocks were subjected to erosive challenges by ex vivo immersion in citric acid (5 min, 4×/dia, 5 days). Following, half of the blocks were subjected to abrasion by brushing with a placebo dentifrice slurry for 15 s. Enamel wear (μm), surface hardness (SH_f) and cross-sectional hardness (ΔKHN) were assessed after each experimental period. Results were analyzed by ANOVA, Student–Newman–Keuls's test and Pearson correlation coefficient (p < 0.05).

Results

The fluoride varnish supplemented with TMP promoted significantly lower wear and ΔKHN when compared to the other groups after erosive challenges, followed or not by abrasion (p < 0.05). As for (SH_f) the fluoride varnish supplemented with TMP promoted similar results to the 5% NaF product, being significantly higher than the remaining groups after erosive and erosive + abrasive challenges (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

TMP significantly enhanced the effects of F on enamel wear after erosive challenges, followed or not by abrasion.     

Effect of fluoride gels supplemented with sodium trimetaphosphate on enamel erosion and abrasion: In vitro study

Objective

This in vitro study aims to evaluate the effect of low fluoride (F) gel associate sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) on erosion with or without abrasion.

Design

Enamel blocks (4 mm × 4 mm) selected through surface hardness (SH) is divided into five groups (n = 12): gel without F and TMP (placebo), gel containing 4500 ppm F (4500), gel containing 4500 ppm F plus TMP5% (4500 TMP5%), gel containing 9000 ppm F (9000), and gel containing 12,300 ppm F (acid gel). Those groups were additionally subdivided into conditions of erosion (Ero) and of erosion plus abrasion (Ero/Abra). The blocks have undergone a single application of gel on the first day of the study. The erosion challenge was produced by Sprite Zero^® for five minutes four times a day and abrasion was carried out by machine brushing for 15 s. After the challenges, the surface hardness (%SH), wear and cross-sectional hardness (ΔKHN) were analyzed. The data were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA test followed by a Student-Newman–Keuls (p < 0.05).

Results

Lower values of %SH, wear and ΔKHN were observed for erosion challenge (p < 0.001). The %SH was lower in groups treated with fluoride gels, differing in the placebo (p < 0.05). With addition of TMP to the gel 4500, enamel wear was lower when compared with another groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In vitro conditions, the 4500 5%TMP gel showed greatest effect against erosion and erosion/abrasion.     

Effect of a pulsed CO2 laser and fluoride on the prevention of enamel and dentine erosion

Objective

The hypotheses of this study was that pulsed CO₂ laser (λ = 10.6 μm) treatment in combination (or not) with previous fluoride gel application could increase the resistance of enamel and dentine to erosion, throughout successive erosive challenges.

Design

Thirty-two bovine specimens of enamel and of root dentine were flattened, polished and randomly assigned to the following treatments (n = 8): fluoride (F), laser (L), fluoride + laser (FL) or no treatment as negative control (C). The treated specimens were submitted to demineralization (0.3% citric acid, pH 2.45, for 5 min) and remineralization (artificial saliva, for 60 min) cycles, three times a day, for 3 days. Dental surface loss as well as the concentration of calcium, phosphorus and fluoride in the demineralizing solutions were determined after each cycling day. Enamel and dentine were analysed separately using repeated measures ANOVA for ranks (α = 0.05).

Results

The association between fluoride and laser (FL) resulted in the lowest enamel and dentine surface loss values throughout the cycles, differing significantly from the control group. No clear benefit of FL over the F or L treatments was observed. There was a non-significant trend (p > 0.05) for FL to release less calcium, phosphorus and fluoride into the demineralizing solutions when compared to the other groups.

Conclusions

Pulsed CO₂ laser (λ = 10.6 μm) alone was not able to prevent enamel or dentine surface losses due to erosion. Laser treatment in combination with fluoride showed some protection, but the effect does not appear to be synergistic.     

Measuring enamel erosion: A comparative study of contact profilometry,non-contact profilometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy

Objectives

To compare three instruments for their ability to quantify enamel loss after acid erosion.

Methods

6 randomized parallel groups of bovine enamel samples were subjected to citric acid (higher acidity) or orange juice (lower acidity) erosion and remineralisation in a cycling model. Two protected shoulders were created on each of the samples using tape, to serve as reference for analysis. The time of exposure to each acid was varied, along with presence or absence of agitation. After treatment, samples were measured on 3 instruments capable of measuring step height: a contact profilometer (CP); a non-contact profilometer (NCP); and a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) by three different examiners. Additionally, 3D (volume) step height was also measured using the CLSM.

Results

Increasing acid concentration and exposure time resulted in greater erosion, as did agitation of samples while in acid solution. All instruments/methods identified the same statistically significant (p < 0.05) pair-wise differences between the treatments groups. Further, all four methods exhibited strong agreement (Intra-class correlation ≥ 0.96) in erosion level and were highly correlated, with correlations of 0.99 or higher in all cases.

Significance

All instruments/methods used in this study produced very similar conclusions with regard to ranking of enamel loss, with data showing very high agreement between instruments. All instruments were found to be equally suited to the measurement of enamel erosion.     

The antimicrobial efficacy of the erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser with radial emitting tips on root canal dentin walls infected with Enterococcus faecalis

BACKGROUND: The authors used an in vitro model to investigate the ability of an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser with radial emitting tips to disinfect Enterococcus faecalis-infected dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vitro infected-dentin model system consisted of a dentin cylinder, prepared from a human anterior tooth root, cemented into a sealable two-chamber device fabricated from a syringe needle cap. The model's lower chamber contained a buffer solution, and the dentin cylinder was placed between the upper and lower chambers. After sterilization, the authors inoculated the root canal of each dentin cylinder with E. faecalis. They used an Er,Cr:YSGG laser with radial emitting tips to irradiate the root canal of each infected dentin cylinder (varying laser power and exposure time). After laser treatment, the authors machined the root canal dentin walls and collected the resulting dentin fillings in the buffer-reservoir. They quantified the E. faecalis titer of each buffer-reservoir by using selective agar plates. RESULTS: The authors found that bacterial recovery decreased when laser irradiation duration or power increased. A greater degree of disinfection was achieved with a 120-second application of laser than with sodium hypochlorite treatment. Finally, they found that a 99.7 percent reduction in bacterial counts could be obtained using the laser. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the Er,Cr:YSGG laser with a radial emitting tip has a significant antimicrobial effect on dentinal tubules infected with E. faecalis. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Er,Cr:YSGG laser treatment could be a valuable tool for root canal disinfection during endodontic treatment.     

Effect of calcium pre-rinse and fluoride dentifrice on remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel and on the composition of the dental biofilm formed in situ

Objective: This in situ blind crossover study investigated the effect of calcium (Ca) rinse prior to the use fluoride (F) dentifrice on remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel and on the composition of biofilm. Design: During four phases of 14 days, 10 volunteers wore appliances containing two artificially demineralised bovine enamel blocks. Three times a day, they rinsed with 10 mL of Ca (150 mM) or placebo rinse (1 min). A slurry (1:3, w/v) of F (1030 ppm) or placebo dentifrice was dripped onto the blocks. During 1 min, the volunteers brushed their teeth with the respective dentifrice. The appliance was replaced into the mouth and the volunteers rinsed with water. The biofilm formed on the blocks was analysed for F and Ca. Enamel alterations were evaluated by the percentage of surface microhardness change (%SMHC), cross-sectional microhardness (% mineral volume) and alkali-soluble F analysis. Data were analysed by ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: The use of the Ca pre-rinse before the F dentifrice produced a six- and four-fold increase in biofilm F and Ca concentrations, respectively. For enamel, the remineralisation was significantly improved by the Ca pre-rinse when compared to the other treatments. There was a significantly higher concentration of alkali-soluble F in enamel when the F dentifrice was used, but the Ca pre-rinse did not have any significant additive effect. Conclusions: According to our protocol, the Ca pre-rinse significantly increased biofilm F concentration and, regardless the use of F dentifrice, significantly enhanced the remineralisation of artificially demineralised enamel.     

Influence of Er:YAG laser irradiation distance on the bond strength of a restorative system to enamel

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate in vitro the effect of Er:YAG laser on bonding to enamel, varying the irradiation distance. METHOD: Tensile bond strength of an adhesive restorative system to non-irradiated and irradiated enamel surfaces was evaluated. Thirty caries-free human third molars were sectioned in mesio-distal direction and embedded in acrylic resin. Enamel was flattened, and a 3-mm-diameter bonding area was demarcated. Specimens were randomly assigned into six groups: groups I-V were treated with the Er:YAG laser (80 mJ/2 Hz), varying the irradiation distance (11, 12 mm-focused, 14, 16 and 17 mm, respectively), followed by 35% phosphoric acid etching. Control group (VI) received treatment with phosphoric acid alone. Single Bond adhesive system was applied on the conditioned enamel, and composite resin cones, bonded to enamel, were fabricated with Z250. After storage, samples were tested in tensile to failure (50 kgf and 0.5 mm/min). RESULTS: Means in MPa were: I-9.67 (+/-3.44); II-13.29 (+/-2.65); III-13.33 (+/-2.22); IV-14.87 (+/-3.58); V-16.43 (+/-4.52); VI-22.90 (+/-3.03). ANOVA and Tukey test revealed statistically significant decrease of bond strength in group I (P < 0.05). Groups II-IV presented similar results, as did groups IV and V. Control group (VI) yielded the best overall performance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser irradiation adversely affected adhesion to enamel. However, bond strength was influenced by the irradiation distance, thus being stronger with the increase of distance to the target tissue.     

Effect of sodium,amine and stannous fluoride at the same concentration and different pH on in vitro erosion

Objective

This study aimed to compare the effects 0.5% and 1% sodium, amine and stannous fluoride at different pH on enamel erosion in vitro.

Methods

Bovine enamel samples were submitted to a cyclic de- and remineralisation for 3 days. Each day, the samples were exposed for 120 min to pooled human saliva and subsequently treated with one of the fluoride solutions for 3 min: amine fluoride (AmF, 0.5% and 1% F⁻), sodium fluoride (NaF, 0.5% and 1% F⁻), each at pH 3.9 and 7.0, and stannous fluoride (SnF₂, 0.5% and 1% F⁻), at pH: 3.9. Additionally, two groups were treated with fluoride-free placebo solutions (pH: 3.9 and 7.0) and one group served as control (no fluoridation). Ten specimens each group were inserted in a so-called artificial mouth and eroded six times daily with hydrochloric acid (pH 2.6) for 90 s each intermitted by exposure to artificial saliva (1 h). After 3 days, enamel loss was analyzed profilometrically and evaluated statistically by ANOVA.

Results

Only the acidic 0.5% and 1% SnF₂ and 1% AmF solutions were able to reduce erosive enamel loss significantly, while all other solutions and placebos did not differ significantly from the control. Between the acidic SnF₂ and the 1% AmF solutions no significant differences could be detected.

Conclusion

At the same concentrations, acidic SnF₂ and AmF may be more effective than NaF to protect enamel against erosion.     

氟保护漆对青少年固定正畸中釉质脱矿的影响

目的 探讨氟保护漆对青少年正畸患者固定矫治后釉质脱矿发生率的影响。方法 将80例16岁以下青少年固定正畸矫治患者随机分成2组：对照组40例（721颗）,对患者及家长进行口腔健康教育,不涂氟;实验组40例（742颗）,除了对患者和家长宣教外,戴用固定矫治器时及正畸期间每6个月用氟保护漆处理牙面。临床观察2年,对粘接托槽的牙齿观察其脱矿程度。结果 实验组中706颗牙脱矿指数为0,出现脱矿的有36颗,脱矿率为4.85%,未出现脱矿指数大于1的患牙。对照组中有604颗牙脱矿指数为0,出现脱矿的有117颗,脱矿率为16.23%,其中脱矿指数大于1的患牙有18颗。两组间差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 固定正畸患者戴用固定矫治器时及矫治期间使用氟保护漆能有效预防正畸牙釉质脱矿。     

A qualitative and quantitative investigation into the effect of fluoride formulations on enamel erosion and erosion-abrasion in vitro

Objectives

To investigate the effect of a single application of highly concentrated SnF₂ and NaF solutions and a NaF/CaF₂ varnish on human enamel subjected to hydrochloric acid erosion and tooth brush abrasion.

Methods

Forty enamel samples were prepared from human third molars and NaF (9500 ppm, pH 8.0), SnF₂ (9500 ppm, pH 2.6) solutions; Bifluorid10^® varnish (42,500 ppm, NaF 5%, CaF₂ 5%) and deionized water (control) was applied to the enamel. Following this three, six and nine cycles of erosion [1 cycle = erosion (0.01 M HCl, pH 2.2, 2 min) + artificial saliva (1 h, pH 7.0)] and erosion-abrasion [1 cycle = erosion (0.01 M HCl, pH 2.2, 2 min) + artificial saliva (1 h, pH 7.0) + abrasion (120 linear strokes in artificial saliva from Tepe medium soft brushes 200 g loading)] were carried out. The fluoride treated enamel was analysed using Knoop microhardness, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).

Results

For erosion alone, there was significantly less microhardness reduction in the Bifluorid10^® group after three and six cycles of erosion (P < 0.05), however no other groups showed statistically different hardness (P > 0.05). The EDS analysis showed that only the Bifluorid10^® group had any detectable fluorine following erosion and erosion-abrasion (0.1 wt.% and 0.2 wt.% fluorine respectively). The surface fluorine was found to have been removed after erosion and erosion-abrasion for all other surface treatments. Although precipitates were observed after application of the surface treatments, following erosion-abrasion, no visible surface effects from any fluoride preparation remained.

Conclusions

Enamel surface precipitates from application NaF, SnF₂ solutions appear to not be able to provide protection against gastric erosion and tooth brush abrasion. The NaF/CaF₂ varnish provided limited protection against erosion but the role for such varnishes in gastric erosion and tooth brush abrasion remains uncertain.     

Assessing fluoride treatment and resistance of dental enamel to soft drink erosion in vitro: Applications of focus variation 3D scanning microscopy and stylus profilometry

Objectives

This study assesses the application of the focus variation 3D microscopy for the evaluation of dental erosion and fluoride treatment for prevention of enamel erosion in vitro.

Methods

Human dental enamel disks were treated with Prevident 5000^® (PV, n = 15) for 1 week and compared with a reference group (PN, n = 15) after orange juice erosion in vitro. A focus variation 3D scanning microscope (IFM) and a stylus type profilometer (SSP) were used to evaluate the erosion depths on enamel. 3D topographic images were taken with vertical resolutions of 0.1 and 0.02 μm. Scratch marks depths from SSP were measured on IFM images. Measurements were compared between the SSP and IFM and between the two study groups.

Results

The SSP and IFM measurements of eroded enamel surfaces showed similar trends between the two methods and between the two study groups. The SSP and the IFM measurements were statistically significantly different but correlated with each other. PV group showed consistently lower erosion depth than PN in all profile measures using both SSP and IFM. The stylus tip created scratch marks that were significantly different in depths between the eroded and the reference surfaces in both groups.

Conclusions

The focus variation 3D microscopy is a powerful tool in evaluating surface topography associated with enamel erosion and in assessing the treatment effects of anti-erosive therapies. Topical treatment with Prevident 5000^® significantly increased enamel resistance to erosion by orange juice and should be considered as a treatment choice in patients susceptible to acidic dental erosion.     

The effect of saliva substitutes on enamel erosion in vitro

Objectives

To investigate the effect of saliva substitutes on enamel erosion in vitro.

Methods

A total of 204 bovine enamel samples were embedded in acrylic resin and allocated to 17 groups (n = 12). The specimens were eroded in an artificial mouth (3 days; 6 × 30 s/days, flow rate: 2 ml/min) using citric acid (pH: 2.5). Immediately after the erosive attacks, saliva substitutes (12 sprays, 3 gels) were applied. Between the erosive cycles the specimens were rinsed with artificial saliva (flowrate: 0.5 ml/min). A SnCl₂/AmF/NaF-containing mouthrinse was used as positive control, water spray served as negative control. Enamel loss was measured profilometrically and the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Scheffé’s post hoc tests (p < 0.05).

Results

Four saliva substitutes increased enamel erosion, probably due to the low pH or the content of citric acid. Several saliva substitutes were able to reduce enamel erosion significantly by 60–90% (in the range of the positive control). The protective potential of these products was in the range of the positive control (reduction of enamel loss to 30% of negative control). The erosion-protective potential of these high-viscous products is probably related to their film-forming properties, leading to a mechanical protection of the surface.

Conclusion

Saliva substitutes containing a very low pH exhibit a distinct erosive potential, while most high-viscous products present an erosion-protective effect. It can be recommended that patients suffering from xerostomia and at high risk for dental erosion should use high-viscous saliva substitutes, but should avoid saliva substitutes with low pH or containing citric acid.

Clinical significance

It can be recommended that patients suffering from xerostomia and at high risk for dental erosion should use high-viscous saliva substitutes, but should avoid saliva substitutes with low pH or containing citric acid.