The effect of toothpaste with reduced concentration of fluoride-containing sodium trimetaphosphate and polyols on initial enamel erosion.

Abstract

This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy of toothpaste containing fluoride (F), sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP), and xylitol and erythritol (XE) to inhibit or repair initial enamel erosion lesions. Bovine enamel blocks (n = 120) were selected according to surface hardness (SH) and randomly divided into 5 experimental groups (n = 24 blocks/group): Placebo (no F, TMP, XE); 1100ppm F; 16% xylitol + 4% erythritol (XE); 200ppm F + 0.2% TMP (200ppm F/TMP); and 200ppm F + 0.2% TMP + 16% xylitol + 4% erythritol (200ppm F/TMP/XE). The sound and softened blocks were immersed in toothpaste slurry in human saliva for 2min. The blocks were then submitted to 4 erosive challenges in citric acid (0.75%, pH 3.5), each challenge for 1min, with stirring. The SH of the blocks was determined after treatment (t) and after the 4 erosive challenges. In addition, the precipitates were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Variables were submitted to a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by a Student-Newman-Keuls test (p < 0.05). Toothpaste containing 200ppm F/TMP/XE led to the highest protective and repair effect compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). The protective and repair effect was XE > 200ppm F/TMP > 1100ppm F > placebo (p < 0.001). All groups produced precipitates with a thicker layer for XE and TMP groups. Toothpaste containing 200ppm F, TMP, and polyols demonstrated a superior protective and repair effect in initial enamel erosive lesions in vitro. Toothpaste containing F and polyols could be an advantage in patients affected by dental erosion, due to its higher preventive potential, mainly in individuals who frequently drink acidic beverages. However, future studies are needed to confirm these results.