Abstract
Objective: This in vitro study aimed at characterizing the mineral content and filler particle morphology of a fluoridatedtoothpaste containing REFIX technology and the mineral content and the morphology of the enamel surface treatedwith this product. Material and Methods: Bovine enamel blocks (n=5) were obtained (4×4×6 mm), demineralized(artificial caries lesion), and treated (pH cycling and brushing with the toothpaste). During the pH cycling, which lastedfor 7 days (demineralization and remineralization took 6 h and 18 h, respectively), the enamel was brushed for 5 minusing an electric toothbrush before being immersed in a remineralization solution. We evaluated the micromorphologyand elemental levels (wt%) of ions present in the toothpaste and on the layer formed over the enamel following thetreatment. The surface morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elemental analyseswere performed using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Results: Scanning electron micrographs of thetoothpaste demonstrated a uniform size distribution of regular-shaped fillers sparsely organized in nanoclusters. Elemental analysis of the toothpaste’s formulation demonstrated the presence of Si (silicon), Na (sodium), P (phosphorus), and F (fluorine), among others. We also detected a mineral layer that had formed on the treated enamel surface; the layer had a consistent uniform thickness of ~14 µm. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be stated that REFIX technology modifies the surface and subsurface of the enamel structure, forming a Si-rich mineral layer. KEYWORDSDental enamel; Dentifrice; Scanning electron microscopy; Tooth remineralization.
Highlights
It has been proposed that biomimetic approaches, different mechanisms that reproduce the mineralization process [1], are claimed to improve the enamel remineralization [2]
Biological apatite is characterized by the presence of other ions, such as magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), zinc (Zn2+), manganese (Mn2+), orthosilicate (SiO44−), and chloride (Cl−) [8], partially substituting calcium (Ca) ions, phosphate (P) ions, and/or hydroxyl ions (OH-) in the crystal structure [9]
In order to demineralize the enamel surface to produce caries-like lesions, the blocks were immersed in 30 mL 50 mM acetate buffer solution containing 3 mM CaCl2.H2O, 3 mM KH2PO4, 50 mM lactic buffer, and 6 μM methylhydroxydiphosphate (MHDP) at pH 5.0 for 5 days [13]
Summary
It has been proposed that biomimetic approaches, different mechanisms that reproduce the mineralization process [1], are claimed to improve the enamel remineralization [2] This mechanism was possible by associating ionic compounds in combination with fluoride [3]. There are constant efforts on the research, development, and innovation of new products aimed at reducing enamel demineralization and at enhancing the enamel remineralizing ability of these formulations [5] In this manner, companies have changed the toothpaste formulations have enabled by adding a variety of active ingredients, which increase the effectiveness of the toothpastes [6]. It has been advocated that replacing the hydroxyl ions in the enamel structure with fluoride and other ions increases the hardness, stabilizing the hydroxyapatite crystals and conferring protection against changes to lower critical salivary pH (5.5–5.2) in the oral cavity [8]
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