Supplementation of soft drinks with metallic ions reduces dissolution of bovine enamel

Effect of an experimental TiF4/NaF solution in preventing tooth erosion

OBJECTIVE

This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled in vivo study investigating the protective potential of a titanium tetrafluoride/ sodium fluoride (TiF4/NaF) solution compared to its respective positive and negative controls under an in vivo model, as well as the perception of participants regarding the use of this experimental solution.

METHODS

After the ethics approval and the selection procedures, 33 participants were divided into three treatments: TiF4/NaF solution (500 ppm F, pH 4.4); AmF/NaF/SnCl2-mouthwash (500 ppm F, pH 4.5) and water (pH 7.0) (n = 11). After professional cleaning, the participants rinsed with one of the solutions for one minute and waited two hours for the erosive challenge. The erosive solution (1 % citric acid, pH 2.5) was applied for 10 s on each central incisor (enamel area: 4 mm2) and collected for calcium analysis using III Arsenazo colorimetric method. The Ca2+ release data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis/ Dunn tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Teeth treated with both fluoride solutions released less calcium into the acid (median and interquartile interval: TiF4/NaF - 0.45/0.19 mM and AmF/NaF/SnCl2 - 0.46/0.15 mM Ca2+, p = 0.99) compared to the negative control (1.12/0.42 mM Ca2+, 60 % reduction, p < 0.0006). For both F solutions, only one participant per group reported unpleasant taste. Four participants belonging to AmF/NaF/SnCl2-mouthwash reported burning sensation post-rinse, while only one participant described such feeling after TiF4/NaF rinsing.

CONCLUSION

The experimental TiF4/NaF solution was as effective as the commercial AmF/NaF/SnCl2-mouthwash in protecting enamel against erosive demineralization with a good acceptability by the participants.

Effect of two erosive protocols using acidic beverages on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets to bovine enamel

OBJECTIVE

To assess the short-term effect of two in vitro erosive challenge protocols on the bond strength of metal orthodontic brackets on bovine enamel.

METHODS

Sixty bovine incisors were selected and randomly divided into six groups: AS7 (artificial saliva - 7 days, Control Group); CC7 (Coca-Cola™ - 7 days); LJ7 (lime juice - 7 days); AS30 (artificial saliva - 30 days, Control Group); CC30 (Coca-Cola™ - 30 days); LJ30 (lime juice - 30 days). Microhardness testing was performed prior to the erosive challenge to verify the standardization of samples. Immersion was performed 4x/day for five minutes, for either 7 or 30 days. After immersions were concluded, the brackets were bonded and shear bond strength was assessed after 48 hours. The Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was also assessed. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-hoc and Student's t test for paired samples, and the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test (α = 5%).

RESULTS

The mean and standard deviation of microhardness testing of total samples were 281.89 ± 44.51 KHN. There was no statistically significant difference in shear bond strength for the time factor (7 or 30 days; F5.54= 0.105; p  = 0.901). However, there was a statistically significant difference for the solution factor (F5.54= 6.671; p  = 0.003). These differences occurred among solutions of Saliva x Coca-Cola™ (p  = 0.003) and Coca-Cola™ x Lime Juice (p = 0.029). The assessment of the Adhesive Remnant Index showed no significant difference between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The immersion time used in the erosion protocols did not affect the bond strength of brackets to teeth. Coca-Cola™ induced significantly higher shear bond strength values than lime juice and artificial saliva. However, the short term effects of 7/30 days in this in vitro study may not be extrapolated for in vivo ones. Clinical studies should be conducted, substantiating the laboratory results.

The evaluation of zinc and copper content in tooth enamel without any pathological changes - an in vitro study

Objectives

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the content of copper and zinc in individual layers of tooth enamel and to analyze the relationships between the study minerals in individual layers of tooth enamel.

Patients and methods

Fifteen human permanent teeth were cut off every 150 μm alongside the labial surface. Acid biopsy of each layer was performed. The zinc content was determined using the air-acetylene flame method. The copper content was determined using the electrothermal technique with argon.

Results

The mean zinc concentrations increased significantly starting from the outer enamel surface, with the maximum concentration in the 150-300 μm layer. The mean copper concentrations increased substantially from the outer enamel surface to a depth of 150 μm, and then a slight downward trend of this mineral levels was seen, down to a depth of 450 μm. Strong positive correlation was found between the zinc and copper concentrations at depths of 150-300, 450-600 and 600-750 μm.

Conclusion

The levels of zinc and copper in the outer enamel layers may have an effect on the increased content of unipolar minerals at deeper enamel layers. The content of the study elements determined may reflect the process of mineralization and maturation of enamel in the pre-eruption period.