Abstract
Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) is known for interacting with enamel reducing demineralization. However, no information is available about its potential antimicrobial effect.ObjectivesThis study evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-caries potential of TiF4 varnish compared to NaF varnish, chlorhexidine gel (positive control), placebo varnish and untreated (negative controls) using a dental microcosm biofilm model.Material and MethodsA microcosm biofilm was produced on bovine enamel previously treated with the varnishes, using inoculum from human saliva mixed with McBain saliva, under 0.2% sucrose exposure, for 14 days. All experiments were performed in biological triplicate (n=4/group in each experiment). Factors evaluated were: bacterial viability (% dead and live bacteria); CFU counting (log10 CFU/mL); and enamel demineralization (transverse microradiography – TMR). Data were analysed using ANOVA/Tukey's test or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn's test (p<0.05).ResultsOnly chlorhexidine significantly increased the number of dead bacteria (68.8±13.1% dead bacteria) compared to untreated control (48.9±16.1% dead bacteria). No treatment reduced the CFU counting (total microorganism and total streptococci) compared to the negative controls. Only TiF4 was able to reduce enamel demineralization (ΔZ 1110.7±803.2 vol% μm) compared to both negative controls (untreated: ΔZ 4455.3±1176.4 vol% μm).ConclusionsTiF4 varnish has no relevant antimicrobial effect. Nevertheless, TiF4 varnish was effective in reducing enamel demineralization under this model.
Highlights
Dental biofilm is defined as a community of microorganisms that colonizes the oral cavity, dimensionally arranged and enclosed into an extracellular matrix rich in polysaccharides, proteins/ amino acids, environmental DNA and minerals
Our results have shown greater effect of TiF4 varnish compared to NaF varnish due to its chemical reaction with enamel surface, promoting deposition of Ti compounds with high acid resistance
TiF4 and NaF varnishes were able to significantly reduce the integrated mineral loss and the average mineral loss compared to the untreated group and chlorhexidine, while only TiF4 was significantly different from placebo varnish
Summary
Dental biofilm is defined as a community of microorganisms that colonizes the oral cavity, dimensionally arranged and enclosed into an extracellular matrix rich in polysaccharides, proteins/ amino acids, environmental DNA (eDNA) and minerals. The exposure to sucrose from diet may favor the development of a cariogenic biofilm rich in acidogenic and aciduric bacteria and extracellular polysaccharides. Considering the protective factors, fluorides and antimicrobials are among the most studied agents. Fluoride has anticaries effect mainly due to its action reducing demineralization and improving remineralization of the tooth structure. It can provide some antimicrobial effect by reducing bacterial metabolism and interfering in protons extrusion. Studies have shown that certain concentrations of fluoride (10, 50 and 125 ppm F-, 5 min/day) are effective in reducing acid production and acid tolerance as well as extracellular polysaccharide formation of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm. NaF affects the virulence factors, but not the bacteria viability
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