Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the modification of the salivary pellicle with different polyphenol-rich teas and natural extracts for the protection against dental erosion. MethodsWe performed two experiments: one with teas (Green tea, Black tea, Peppermint tea, Rosehip tea, negative control [NC]) and other with natural extracts (Grape seed, Grapefruit seed, Cranberry, Propolis, NC), where NC was deionized water. A total of 150 enamel specimens were used (n = 15/group). Both experiments followed the same design, consisting of 5 cycles of: salivary pellicle formation (30 min, 37 °C), modification with the solutions (30 min, 25 °C), further salivary pellicle formation (60 min, 37 °C) and erosive challenge (1 min, 1% citric acid, pH 3.6). Relative surface microhardness (rSMH), relative surface reflection intensity (rSRI) and amount of calcium release (CaR) were evaluated. Data were analysed with Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank sum tests with Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05). ResultsRegarding teas, Black and Green teas showed the best protection against dental erosion, presenting higher rSMH and lower CaR than NC. Peppermint tea was not different to NC and Rosehip tea caused erosion, showing the highest CaR and greatest loss of SMH and SRI. Regarding natural extracts, Grape seed and Grapefruit seed extracts presented the best protective effect, with significantly higher rSMH and lower CaR. Cranberry caused significantly more demineralization; and Propolis did not differ from NC. ConclusionGreen tea, Black tea, Grape seed extract and Grapefruit seed extract were able to modify the salivary pellicle and improve its protective effect against enamel erosion, but Rosehip tea and Cranberry extract caused erosion. Clinical relevanceSome some bio-products, such as teas and natural extracts, improve the protective effect of the salivary pellicle against enamel erosion. More studies should be performed in order to test the viability of their use as active ingredients for oral care products.
Highlights
The acquired salivary pellicle forms instantly on tooth surfaces upon contact with saliva
The present study was divided into two experiments, where we investigated 1) teas and 2) natural extracts, and their ability to modify the salivary pellicle, thereby improving its protection against enamel erosion
Green tea and Black tea showed significantly higher Relative surface microhardness (rSMH) than Peppermint tea and the Negative control (NC) group, which in turn did not differ from each other (Fig. 1)
Summary
The acquired salivary pellicle forms instantly on tooth surfaces upon contact with saliva. It consists of a layer of proteins, peptides, lipids and other macromolecules that promotes a natural protection of the tooth surfaces, modulating the process of dental erosion [1]. There is the adsorption of a dense basal layer, comprised mainly of mucin, histatin, statherin and acidic proline-rich proteins (PRP) [2,3]. The basal layer is very resistant to dissolution by acids [5]. It contributes most to the protective effect against demineralization, with some of its components being acid resistant [6]. Thicker pellicles offer more protection [3,7], but frequent erosive
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