A time based objective evaluation of the erosive effects of various beverages on enamel and cementum of deciduous and permanent teeth

Influence of Sucrose and Arenga pinnata Solutions on Enamel Surface Demineralization: A Profilometric Study

Background Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that has the potential to impact individuals across various life stages. The influential role of sugar as a contributing risk element in the inception and advancement of dental caries is significantly pronounced.  Aim The research aim was to analyze and compare the enamel surface roughness in teeth exposed to sucrose and Arenga pinnata (palm sugar) solutions by using a stylus profilometer Materials and methods In this investigation, 34 freshly extracted anterior teeth were obtained and they were split into two groups depending on the solution in which they were immersed. Group A consists of 17 teeth immersed in 1% sucrose solution supplemented in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth solution and Group B consists of 17 teeth immersed in 1% Arenga pinnata BHI broth. Each sample served as its own control. Streptococcus mutans was inoculated into these groups and they were immersed in their respective solution for five days. A stylus profilometer was utilized to measure the surface roughness of the teeth in this study. Data analysis involved paired t-tests for intragroup comparisons and independent t-tests for intergroup comparisons using SPSS software version 23. Results After five days of exposure to palm sugar or sucrose, it was observed that there was demineralization of the enamel surface on both samples. Although there was no statistical significance (p<0.05) when an independent t-test was conducted among these samples, there was a visible increase in the numerical values of Ra, Rq, Rz of teeth exposed to sucrose compared to palm sugar with a p-value of 0.529, 0.122 and 0.357, respectively. Conclusion From this study, it was concluded that although both sucrose and Arenga pinnata cause demineralization of enamel, it was shown that the latter caused lesser demineralization when compared to refined sugars to a certain extent. This study establishes a foundation for forthcoming investigations that could potentially explore the utilization of natural sugars as a substitute for sucrose, while also evaluating the mechanistic aspects underlying the impact of these sugars on enamel demineralization.

Three-year Follow-up of Conservative Direct Composite Veneers on Eroded Teeth

This clinical case describes an esthetic rehabilitation of a young patient presenting with erosive tooth wear. The etiological factors for the erosion in this clinical case was excessive carbonated beverages and lemon water intake. The patient's main complaint was the yellowish aspect of her smile. The treatment procedure selected was direct resin composite veneers in the six maxillary anterior teeth. A three-year follow-up of the case is presented. The three-year follow-up showed a successful clinical performance of the treatment procedure after a finishing/polishing protocol.

Evaluation of the effect of soft drinks on the surface roughness of dental enamel in natural human teeth

Background: Exposing enamel to soft drinks and beverages causes changes in the microscopical morphology. Changes in the physical characteristics, like hardness and surface roughness, were studied with various parameters. Factors such as pH, exposed duration, and other content of the soft drinks have different effects on the enamel. Methods: Thirty-six human premolar teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n=12). Group 1 consisted of teeth which were immersed in artificial saliva (control), group 2 consisted of teeth which were immersed in Pepsi, and group 3 consisted of teeth which were immersed in Mirinda. After the preparation of samples and necessary measures, surface roughness was measured using the profilometer. Baseline measurements were taken. Reading two and reading three were taken after exposing the specimens for three days and 15 days, respectively. All of the collected data were compared statistically using SPSS and presented in tables and graphs. Results: At the baseline, the surface roughness value was the same for all three groups. On the 3 rd day, the Mirinda group showed more surface roughness compared to that of the test and Pepsi groups, which was statistically significant. On the 15 th day, both the Pepsi and Mirinda groups showed increased surface roughness compared to that of the control, which was statistically significant. Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, it can be concluded that surface roughness increased when teeth were exposed to both soft drinks.

Full-mouth adhesive rehabilitation of a severe case of erosion treated with v-shaped veneers

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate a minimally invasive approach of a full-mouth rehabilitation of a severe case of erosion treated with v-shaped veneers, tabletops, overlays, veneerlays, laminate veneers, and a full contour veneer.

CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The present case report successfully rehabilitated a full-mouth case of severely eroded teeth with minimal healthy structure removal, maintaining viability of all teeth that were vital before the treatment started, and promoting long-lasting esthetic and functional results after 3 years of use.

CONCLUSIONS

A deep knowledge of etiology, etiopathogenesis, and classifications of dental erosion will guide the clinician in the right direction for solving this issue correctly, according to modern prosthetic and conservative principles.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Dental erosion represents today a relatively widespread phenomenon among the global population and a significant challenge in each of its clinical stages for the clinicians who must treat it. In advanced stages, a careful evaluation phase of the case, a great patient motivation and a wise use of materials and clinical protocols are the success key of the case. Moreover, an advanced knowledge of adhesive dentistry is strictly required to successfully manage a severe erosion case with a modern and minimally invasive approach.