Influence on the Hardness of Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cements following Exposure to High and Low Fluoride Containing Toothpastes

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjectiveResin modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) are fluoride releasing restorative materials. Their recharge with sources of fluoride (like toothpastes) during their service in oral cavity is a common practice. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of fluoride containing toothpastes on hardness of RMGICs after exposure to acidic and neutral fluoride containing toothpastes.Materials and methodsSixty specimens were made from two RMGICs (Vitremer and Fuji II LC). Initially hardness was measured without exposure to source of fluoride of 20 control specimens using Vickers microhardness tester. Rest of the 40 experimental specimens were exposed to fluoridated toothpastes for 60 days twice daily for 2 minutes, then hardness of specimens was measured again using Vickers microhardness tester. Data was statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA on SPSS version 16.ResultsRMGICs which were exposed to low fluoride neutral source had lower values of hardness than RMGICs which were exposed to high fluoride acidic source.ConclusionHigh fluoride containing acidic toothpaste exhibited no detrimental effect on hardness of specimens over the period of study. Specimens exposed to high fluoride containing acidic source displayed higher values of hardness than the specimens at baseline without exposure to source of fluoride. RMGICs used in our study proved to be materials which exhibit increase in hardness after exposure to protocols practiced in our research for its recharge.How to cite this articleMoosa SI, Amin F, Abbas M. Influence on the Hardness of Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cements following Exposure to High and Low Fluoride Containing Toothpastes. J Contemp Dent 2014;4(2):67-71.