The In Situ Effect of Titanium Tetrafluoride Gel on Erosion/Abrasion Progression in Human Dentin

Linear and areal surface roughness assessments for the study of tooth wear in human enamel

OBJECTIVES

To test 8 models of linear surface roughness assessment in characterizing surface profile description and to correlate these models with equivalent areal parameters over sound human enamel in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty enamel blocks were randomly selected. The roughness data (2D-Rp; Rv; Rz; Rc; Rt; Ra; Rq; Rsk; Rku/3D-Sp; Sv; Sz; Sa; Sq; Ssk; Sku) was obtained in duplicate in a non-contact 3D optical profilometer. The models were composed by 1 single vertical trace (model 1) until 8 traces (model 8 composed by three vertical traces, three horizontal traces, and two diagonal).

RESULTS

The addition of linear sampling traces to the enamel blocks did not result in Rp, Rv, Rz, Rc, Rt, Ra, Rq, Rsk, and Rku value changes (low power-from 5 to 72%). Significant Spearman's correlation coefficients were obtained in most correlation analysis (Rp ↔ Sp; Rv ↔ Sv; Rz ↔ Sz; Ra ↔ Sa; Rq ↔ Sq; and Rku ↔ Sku).

CONCLUSIONS

A single vertical trace in the middle of the sample was representative of the overall enamel surface roughness (Rp, Rv, Rz, Rc, Rt, Ra, Rq, Rsk, and Rku) models. The majority of the assessed models in the correlation evaluation presented significant and positive association.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The findings highlight the applicable model for roughness analysis over human enamel recommended for research and in situ trials assessments.

Xylitol Fluoride Varnish: In Vitro Effect Analysis on Enamel by Atomic Force Microscopy

(1) Background: Numerous studies have shown the beneficial role of fluoride in the primary prevention of dental caries. The aim of the present study was to put into evidence the change in the enamel structure immediately after the application of a fluoride varnish. (2) Methods: A xylitol−fluoride varnish was evaluated. The enamel specimens (n = 10) were analyzed by atomic force microscopy on enamel surface and treatment with fluoride varnish applied. The dimensional topographic analysis was performed by 2D and 3D analysis software. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26.00 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). A one-sample statistics test was used to identify significant differences (p < 0.05). (3) Results: Surface roughness (Ra) measurements ranged from Ra = 0.039 μm (±0.048), to Ra = 0.049 μm (±0.031), respectively (p < 0.05), with an increase in the surface roughness passing from the intact enamel to the enamel exposed to fluoride varnish. When comparing Ra values of the nonfluorinated enamel and fluorinated enamel, significant differences (p < 0.05) were found, suggesting that the varnish had a protective effect on the enamel surface. (4) Conclusions: Xylitol−fluoride varnish, even in one single short-time application, is effective in reducing the surface roughness of enamel structure exposed to abrasion, thus increasing resistance to dental caries.

Topical Agents for Nonrestorative Management of Dental Erosion: A Narrative Review

A nonrestorative approach to the management of dental erosion is the foremost option: controlling dental erosion. The objectives of this study are to provide an overview and to summarise the effects and properties of topical anti-erosive agents as a nonrestorative treatment of dental erosion. A literature search was conducted on five databases of peer-reviewed literature—Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science—to recruit articles published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2021. The literature search identified 812 studies; 95 studies were included. Topical anti-erosive agents can be broadly categorised as fluorides, calcium phosphate-based agents, organic compounds and other anti-erosive agents. In the presence of saliva, fluorides promote the formation of fluorapatite on teeth through remineralisation. Calcium phosphate-based agents supply the necessary minerals that are lost due to the acid challenge of erosion. Some organic compounds and other anti-erosive agents prevent or control dental erosion by forming a protective layer on the tooth surface, by modifying salivary pellicle or by inhibiting the proteolytic activity of dentine collagenases. Topical anti-erosive agents are promising in managing dental erosion. However, current evidence shows inconsistent or limited results for supporting the use of these agents in clinical settings.

What is the effectiveness of titanium tetrafluoride to prevent or treat dental caries and tooth erosion? A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Answer the question: What is the effectiveness of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF₄) when compared to other fluorides, placebo solution or a negative control to prevent or treat dental caries and tooth erosion?

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review is in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. In vivo and in situ studies that used TiF₄ over enamel or dentine were included. Electronic searches were conducted on MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, WOS, Cochrane Library, VLH, Clinical Trials and OpenGrey. Risk of bias (ROB) assessments used RoB2 and ROBINS-I for randomized and non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs and on-RCTs); Syrcle's ROB tool for animal studies; and a modified tool proposed by Hollanders for in situ studies.

RESULTS

A total of 28 studies met the eligibility criteria. From these, 6 were in humans (3 RCT and 3 Non-RCT); 4 were in animals and 18 were in situ. For in vivo studies, all RCTs have some concerns related to ROB and all of the non-RCT studies were classified as with serious risk. One animal study had a low and three a high ROB. Regarding in situ studies, seven had a low, ten had an average and only one had a high ROB. The certainty of the evidence (GRADE) ranged from moderate to very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Although most of the results suggest a positive effect of TiF4 on the prevention and treatment of caries and dental erosion, it is not possible to have definitive conclusions due to the high studies' methodological heterogeneity, and the low quality of evidence for most outcomes.

REGISTRATION

The protocol of this syste. atic review was registered in the OPEN SCIENCE FRAMEWORK database (osf.io/6dgs9) DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/KUZA7 on 6 August 2020.