EFFECT OF ACIDS, FLUORIDES AND BRUSHING ON ENAMEL – AN IN-VITRO STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of fluoride, citric acid and brushing on tooth enamel. Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study was conducted on 60 extracted premolars at Khyber College of Dentistry and Experimental procedure was performed at laboratory, Physics Department, Peshawar University. All maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth with normal tooth morphology extracted for orthodontic reasons and of both genders were included. Premolar teeth restored with fillings or crowns, pathologically affected teeth with caries, Amelogenesis/Dentinogensis Imperfecta, root canal treated teeth or teeth with surface loss (attrition, abrasion, erosion) were excluded from study. The effect on enamel was determined in term of weight change.Paired t test was applied to see the statistical evidence for difference in weight while Independent samples t test was applied to see the effect of different concentration of fluorides at p-value ≤ 0.05. Results: The weight of enamel decreased after immersion in citric acid (-4.134±139.34 mg), coke (-4.134±138.34 mg) and after brushing (-4.404±111.642 mg) statistically significantly (P<0.05). The increase in weight was statistically significant for 450 ppm fluoride (P=0.017) but insignificant after immersion in 225 ppm fluoride (P=.067). Conclusion: Fluoride should be routine part of oral hygiene measures. In patients who are more prone to cariogenic insults, especially physically handicapped and undergoing orthodontic treatment. The increased concentration of fluoride is recommended to enhance remineralization.