Effect of gaseous hydrochloric acid on human and bovine enamel

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the action of gaseous hydrochloric acid on human and bovine enamel and compare the demineralization pattern of these substrates exposed to the gaseous erosive agent. Methods: Eight bovine enamel and eight human enamel specimens were obtained (4 × 4 × 2 mm), half surface was protected with composite resin and the other half was exposed to gaseous hydrochloric acid (gHCl), pH 2 at 37 °C, for 3 min, 8 times a day, for 12 days, and in intervals the specimens were maintained in artificial saliva. The specimens were analyzed according to wear profile, surface roughness and microhardness (before and after acid exposition). Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: Data showed no significant difference between bovine and human enamel for all properties analyzed – microhardness (98.1 ± 5.2, 96.9 ± 4.8), wear profile (11.5 ± 2.8, 11.4 ± 3.6) and roughness (2.6 ± 0.3, 3.3 ± 0.3), respectively. In images, we observed that gHCl could cause enamel erosion in both groups. Conclusion: Gaseous hydrochloric acid causes similar enamel erosion on bovine and humans.