Protein Profiles of Individuals with Erosive Tooth Wear

Aida Mulic,Nicholas Modesto Vieira,Alexandre Rezende Vieira,Kirsten Limesand,Anne Bjorg Tveit

doi:10.1590/pboci.2020.133

Abstract

Objective: To determine if protein profiles identified in saliva could be used to determine risk and severity of erosive tooth wear. Material and Methods: Three types of saliva sampling were performed to obtain saliva from 34 18-year old individuals that received regular dental check-ups, along with clinical status of the dentition and risk factor related to erosive tooth wear using the VEDE scale. Protein profiles in saliva were determined using electrophoresis and the calculation of the percentage of a specific band at a specific molecular weight in relationship to the total protein in that sample (% of total) using molecular weight standards. This quantification was repeated for each protein band across a range of molecular weights for each sample to test for association with erosive tooth wear status . Results: There were no differences in the number of detectable proteins sourced from the parotid gland, nor the unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva. Five out of the 34 individuals had no signs of erosive tooth wear despite an acidic diet and were more likely to have proteins with molecular weight smaller than 1 KDa (p=0.03) . Conclusion: There is potential for the use of protein profiling to determine risks for erosive tooth wear.

Highlights

Erosive tooth wear is the loss or wear of dental hard structure caused by acids not originated from bacteria [1]
The perceived increase in erosive tooth wear and a healthier diet that can be more acidic has made us suggest the utilization of fluorides to counteract the effects of acids from the diet on the dental enamel [2]
We have proposed that a specific genetic factor in individuals that may be more susceptible to erosive tooth wear when exposed to acidic diets may be the same operating in people more prone to dental caries under the right conditions

Summary

Introduction

Erosive tooth wear is the loss or wear of dental hard structure caused by acids not originated from bacteria [1]. These acids may be related to vomiting or acid reflux, or acidic diets. Drinking milk may be a way to minimize losses of hard tooth structure [3,4]. The mechanism underlying this effect appears to be related to an impact on bacteria adhesion to the acquired enamel pellicle when one drinks milk [5]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion