Fluoride Gel Research Articles

English

This paper reported the development of an alcohol sensor based on a glass substrate platform. The glass substrate was coated with two nanomaterial types: Hydroxyethylcellulose/Polyvinylidene fluoride (HEC/PVDF) and Agarose Gel, for comparison purposes. Three layers of coating material have been applied to the glass substrate to obtain the optimum sensing response. The coated glass substrate is kept dry for 24 hours before expose to variations of ethanol concentration to investigate the sensing response. A significant response to alcohol concentrations has been observed for both samples due to the changeable refractive index layer of the coating material. The sensitivity improved by a factor of 1.18 and 1.51, respectively, compared to the bared glass. The proposed sensor employed low-cost and commercially available components such as a glass substrate, LED light source and Arduino microcontroller to perform as an alcohol sensor. It prevents using expensive laser-based sensors, which is less practical in real industrial applications. Based on the experiment results, the HEC/PVDF-coated glass produced has demonstrated better results in terms of repeatability, hysteresis, stability and sensitivity as compared to agarose gel-coated glass. Hence the proposed sensor has a decent potential as an alcohol sensor

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Fluoride-Based and Self-Assembling Peptide P11-4-based Tooth Remineralization Agents on Streptococcus mutans: A Microbiological Study.

Dental caries is a biofilm-related oral disease that continues to afflict the majority of the world's population. The disease results from an interaction between specific bacteria and dietary constituents within a biofilm known as dental plaque. Among the cariogenic microorganisms, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) plays pivotal role in caries-inducing processes. Evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of self-assembling peptide P11-4-based tooth remineralization agents on S. mutans. An in vitro microbiological study. The antibacterial efficacy of self-assembling peptide P11-4 gel (Group 1), fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel (Group 2), acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (Group 3), chlorhexidine gluconate gel 1.0% w/w (Group 4; positive control), and normal saline (Group 5; negative control) was performed using time-kill assay over a period of 24 h and the number of S. mutans colony-forming units (CFUs) were calculated. Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney post hoc Test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Group 1 showed mean CFUs (× 103) of 841.33 ± 3.51, Group 2 showed 10035.33 ± 60.68, Group 3 showed 1058.00 ± 56.96, Group 4 showed 0.00 ± 0.00, and Group 5 showed mean CFUs with 15226.67 ± 96.67. The difference in the mean CFUs (× 103) between different groups was statistically significant at P < 0.001. The self-assembling peptide P11-4-based tooth remineralization agent exhibited an inhibitory influence on S. mutans and hence formation of cariogenic bacteria dominant biofilm can thus be affected by its application.

Ex-vivo effects of propolis quantum dots-nisin-nanoquercetin-mediated photodynamic therapy on Streptococcus mutans biofilms and white spot lesions.

White spot lesions (WSLs) remain one of the most critical adverse sequelae of fixed orthodontic treatment, despite materials and techniques advances in orthodontics. WSLs seem to be a multi-factorial interaction including increased microbial plaque due to intrabuccal appliances that limit the oral-cleansing mechanism and change in the oral microbiome during fixed appliance wear. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of propolis quantum dots (PQD), nisin (Nis), and quercetin nanoparticles (nQCT)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT) in the eradication of Streptococcus mutans biofilms and the remineralization of WSLs ex-vivo. The cytotoxicity of PQD-Nis-nQCT composite on human gingival fibroblasts was evaluated using neutral red. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation following PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT was measured. Enamel slabs were prepared and demineralized using a demineralization solution containing S. mutans. Demineralized enamel slabs were divided into 9 groups (n=10) and treated in the following groups: 1) Artificial saliva (negative control), 2) 2% neutral sodium fluoride gel (NSF; positive control or treatment control, 3) PQD, 4) Nis, 5) nQCT, 6) Nis-nQCT, 7) PQD-Nis-nQCT 8) Blue laser irradiation (light), 9) PQD-Nis-nQCT with irradiation (PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT). Then, the surface changes, microhardness, and surface topography of the demineralized slabs were examined following each treatment using DIAGNOdent Pen reading, digital hardness tester, and SEM, respectively. After the determination of minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of PQD, Nis, and nQCT by microtiter plate assay, the synergistic antimicrobial effects of PQD and Nis-nQCT were determined via evaluation of fractional biofilm eradication concentration (FBEC) index. The anti-biofilm effects of each treatment on S. mutans were assessed using a colorimetric assay. Thevirulence‑associated gtfB gene expression was assessed following PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT byquantitative real‑time PCR. PQD-Nis-nQCT at 2048µg/mL had no significant cell cytotoxicity on human gingival fibroblasts compared to the control group (P > 0.05). A significantly increased (7.6 fold) in intracellular ROS was observed following PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT (13.9 ± 1.41) when compared to the control (1.83 ± 0.13). Following each treatment, the microhardness of the demineralized enamel surface significantly increased except for the artificial saliva (negative) and blue laser irradiation groups. The highest change in microhardness improvement was detected in the PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT group (P < 0.05). Also, DIAGNODent Pen reading revealed the highest significant improved change in the level of mineralization degree in the PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT group. Nis and blue light irradiation groups, like the artificial saliva-treated demineralized enamel slabs (control group), did not lead to remineralization (P > 0.05). Also, the PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT treatment results obtained from SEM revealed that remineralization of demineralized enamel slabs in that group has significantly improved compared to the others. Light-activated nQCT, PQD, Nis-nQCT, and PQD-Nis-nQCT composite significantly reduced pre-formed biofilms of S. mutans compared with unactivated forms of test materials. The relative expression level of the virulence gtfB gene was significantly decreased (7.53-fold) in the presence of PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT (P < 0.05). PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT can be used for the eradication of S. mutans biofilms and remineralization of WSLs. The found in vitro efficacy should be tested further through clinical studies.

Evaluation of Resin Infiltration, Fluoride and the Biomimetic Mineralization of CPP-ACP in Protecting Enamel after Orthodontic Inter-Proximal Enamel Reduction

This study investigated the effect of using different agents for protecting enamel proximal surfaces against acidic attack after interproximal reduction (IPR) using the trans micro radiography technique. Seventy-five sound-proximal surfaces were obtained from extracted premolars for orthodontic reasons. All teeth were measured miso-distally and mounted before being stripped. The proximal surfaces of all teeth were hand stripped with single-sided diamond strips (OrthoTechnology, West Columbia, SC, USA) followed by polishing via Sof-Lex polishing strips (3M, Maplewood, MN, USA). Three-hundred micrometers of enamel thickness was reduced from each proximal surface. The teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups: group 1 (control un-demineralized) received no treatment, group 2 (control demineralized) had their surfaces demineralized after the IPR procedure, group 3 (fluoride) specimens were treated with fluoride gel (NUPRO, DENTSPLY, Charlotte, NC, USA) after the IPR, group 4 (Icon) resin infiltration material (Icon Proximal Mini Kit, DMG, Bielefeld, Germany) was applied after IPR, group 5 (MI varnish) specimens were treated with Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) containing varnish (MI Varnish, G.C, USA, St. Alsip, IL, USA) after the IPR. The specimens in (groups 2-5) were stored in a 4.5 pH demineralization solution for 4 days. The trans-micro-radiography (TMR) technique was conducted to evaluate the mineral loss (∆Z) and lesion depth of all specimens after the acid challenge. The obtained results were analyzed statistically using a one-way ANOVA at a significance level of α = 0.05. The MI varnish recorded significant ∆Z and lesion depth values compared to the other groups p > 0.05. There was no significant difference in ∆Z and lesion depth between the control demineralized, Icon, and fluoride groups p < 0.05. The MI varnish increased the enamel resistance to acidic attack, and thus can be considered an agent capable of protecting the proximal enamel surface after IPR.

The Fluoride Ion Release from Ion-Releasing Dental Materials after Surface Loading by Topical Treatment with Sodium Fluoride Gel.

The study aimed to investigate the rechargeability of ion-releasing dental material specimens immersed in distilled water for 25 months, which depleted their ion-releasing ability. Four restorative dental materials (alkasite composite, giomer, glass-ionomer, and composite material) presented with 24 specimens were studied after topical treatment with a concentrated fluoride gel. The effect of resin coating on the ion uptake and release was investigated on additional 42 specimens of restorative dental materials with coatings. The composite materials were coated with two adhesive systems, whereas the glass-ionomer was coated with the special coating resin. After topical fluoride exposure, ion release and specimen mass were measured at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 14-day intervals using an ion-selective electrode and an analytical balance, respectively. The cumulative fluoride levels for the uncoated specimens of alkasite composite were significantly higher than those of giomer and glass-ionomer cement, with no statistically significant difference between the latter two materials. The conventional composite had the lowest cumulative concentration of fluoride ions (p < 0.05). The adhesive systems affected the fluoride recharge and reduced the ion concentrations absorbed by the specimens. Specimens coated with universal adhesive showed significantly higher ion release compared to universal fluoride-releasing adhesive or special coating resin for glass-ionomers (p < 0.05). No statistically significant change in specimen mass was observed during the 14-day period. Surface coating with adhesive systems as well as special coating resin for glass-ionomers affects the fluoride recharge process.

Anticaries potential of a fluoride foam.

Foam has been used worldwide as a vehicle for the professional application of fluoride and hypothetically should have the same anticaries potential as conventional fluoride gel (F-gel) in terms of the formation of reaction products with enamel. Thus, the ability of Flúor Care® foam (FGM, Joinville, SC, Brazil, 12,300 ppm F, acidulated) to react with enamel was evaluated in comparison with Flúor gel® (DFL, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, 12,300 ppm F, acidulated). Slabs (n=10/group) of sound enamel and with caries lesion were used, in which the concentrations of total fluoride (TF), and loosely (CaF2-like) and firmly (FAp) bound types were determined. The importance of agitation during application was previously tested. The determinations were made with fluoride ion-specific electrode and the results were expressed in μg F/cm² of the treated enamel area. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to analyze the difference among treatments, independently for sound and carious enamel. The agitation of the products during application significantly increased the reactivity of the foam (p<0.05), but not that of the gel (p>0.05). The foam did not differ from F-gel (p>0.05) concerning the formation of TF and CaF2-like in sound or carious enamel. Regarding FAp, the foam did not differ from F-gel (p>0.05) in the carious enamel, but the concentration in the sound was lower (p<0.05). The results show that this commercial fluoride foam tested needs to be agitated during application to improve its reactivity with enamel, which raises a question about other brands.

Tuning Structure and Rheological Properties of Polyelectrolyte-Based Hydrogels through Counterion-Specific Effects

Tuning at will the properties of gel-forming systems is of key relevance for many biotechnological, agricultural, and biomedical applications. For polyelectrolyte-based gels, ion-specific effects can be an attractive way for this purpose. This study investigates the counterion-specific effect on the microscopic structure and the rheological properties of a physical hydrogel formed of ionene-type cationic polyelectrolytes. The focus is on two monovalent halide counterions (F– and Cl–) and a divalent counterion (SO42–). A strong counterion-specific effect appears within ionene-based gels. In the case of halide counterions, gelation is more effective for more weakly hydrated counterions. Indeed, strongly hydrated counterions maintain electrostatic repulsions between the chains and as a consequence gel formation is shifted toward higher concentrations (higher critical gelation concentration, CGC). The combination of the complementary small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) techniques reveals a strong contribution of ion–ion correlations in the structure of the gel network. Contrary to chloride gels, which present a single correlation length characterizing the distance between the cross-linking nodes, fluoride gels present an additional network of nodes. This is accompanied by a very rapid increase of the elastic modulus of fluoride gels, once CGC is reached. With divalent counterions, the gelation is even more remarkable with a lower CGC and a higher elastic modulus at equivalent polyelectrolyte concentrations. The presence of divalent counterions favors the association of chains, probably by a bridging effect. This evokes the “egg-box” model, and the characteristic scaling of the elastic modulus with reduced gel concentration confirms this. However, only a narrow concentration window for gel-forming exists for divalent counterions before precipitation takes over due to too strong attractive chain–chain interactions.

Efficacy of 810 nm and 650 nm Diode Laser Alone and in Combination With Sodium Fluoride Gel in Treating Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Split-Mouth Randomized Clinical Study.

Introduction Dentin hypersensitivity has been defined as a short, sharp pain caused by exposing naked dentin to external stimulisuch as evaporation, heat, cold, osmotic liquids, and tactile effects.None of the available treatments has been considered the gold standard in treating dentin hypersensitivity. The use of laser has recently become more popular, and it is a promising treatment method in this field. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of both 810 nm and 650 nm diode lasers in treating dentin hypersensitivity. Materials and methods This study was conducted on six patients who were referred to the Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Damascus University(4 females and 2 males) with 108 teeth suffering from generalized dentin hypersensitivity and were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of three patients with 50 teeth treated with an 810 nm diode laser; it was divided by the split-mouth design into two subgroups. The first subgroup was treated by the application of the laser alone towardthe target area with 1-watt power, continuous mode, and a total application time of 90 seconds, and the second subgroup was treated by applying sodium fluoride gel for one minute, then the laser was applied with the same settings as the first subgroup. Group 2 consisted of three patients with 58 teeth treated with a 650 nm diode laser; it was divided by the split-mouth design into two subgroups. The first subgroup was treated by the application of the laser alone towardthe target area with 200 m watt power, continuous mode, and a total application time of 120 seconds, and the second subgroup was treated by applying sodium fluoride gel for one minute and then applying the laser with the same settings as the first subgroup. The pain was evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS) of 100 degrees before and immediately after treatment, and then after three to sixand nine months by applying an air stream from a dental chair syringe at a distance of 0.5 cm from the target area. Results This study showed that both types of lasers were effective in treating pain caused by dentinal hypersensitivity. The average values ​​of pain reduction on the NRS showed the superiority of the 810 nm diode laser over the 650 nm after treatment and at all time points of pain assessment. No statistically significant differences were detected between applying laser alone and applying it combined with sodium fluoride gel in pain reduction values. Conclusions The application of an 810 nm diode laser either alone or in combination with sodium fluoride gel in treating dentin hypersensitivity is effective and betterthan the application of a 650 nm diode laser either alone or in combination with sodium fluoride gel. In addition, applying a 650 nm diode laser either alone or in combination with sodium fluoride gel has slight effectiveness in treating dentine hypersensitivity, and it is believed that a single treatment session with a 650 nm diode laser was not enough to obtain the required pain reduction.

Clinical practice guideline adaptation for risk-based caries management in 18–55 year-old Iranian adults

PurposeTo adapt an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) for risk-based management of caries in 18–55 year-old Iranian adults.MethodsA multidisciplinary adaptation team reviewed evidence-based guidelines such as the NICE, SIGN, and ADA according to the defined clinical questions. In addition, databases such as the PubMed and Google Scholar were searched and CPGs were screened and appraised using the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) tool. Clinical scenarios were developed and their level of evidence, clinical advantage and adaptability were assessed. Following a two-round ranking by experts, the final recommendations were selected using the RAND-UCLA appropriateness method.ResultsOf 17 CPGs, 5 were selected as the source guidelines for adaptation. To assess the risk of caries in the adult population, reduced Cariogram (without saliva tests) and CAMBRA were suggested as diagnostic tools. In addition, 53 risk-based recommendations on the preventive care (including the use of fluoride toothpaste, fluoride, and chlorhexidine mouthwash, at home and in-office fluoride gel, fluoride varnish, mouth buffering, and sealant), operative intervention threshold, and follow-up interval were adapted for Iranian adults.ConclusionsA guideline was adapted for risk-based management of dental caries in Iranian adults. This helps local dentists in decision making and promoting oral health of adults. Further research is needed to assess the external validity and feasibility of the adapted guideline in the Iranian population.

Preventive effect of combined Er, Cr: YSGG and fluoride gel on acid resistance of the permanent tooth enamel: An in vitro study.

Increasing the resistance of enamel to acids may prevent dental erosion and diminish microhardness alterations in the enamel. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive effect of erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet laser combined with 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel on enamel resistance to demineralization. Thirty-four human maxillary first premolars were randomly assigned to three groups. Group I (control group), group II were treated with fluoride gel for 4-minutes and group III received ten seconds of laser treatment; then fluoride has applied. Each sample was immersed in a soft drink for 2 minutes, then washed and kept in deionized water. Four consecutive cycles were carried out at 6 hours intervals. The effects were studied utilizing the Vickers microhardness test and scanning electron microscopy. Data analyses were performed by Levene test and General Linear Model Repeated Measure Factorial ANOVA with Bonferonni post hoc test, the accepted level of significance was 0.05. Microhardness was increased statistically in groups II and III after treatment, with the highest value for group III. After demineralization, the control group had the lowest microhardness score, followed by group II and group III, which showed the least reduction in microhardness with a statistical significance (p<0.05). There was a correlation between the morphological alterations in enamel surfaces and the increased enamel resistance. Both fluoride and the combined laser fluoride treatment had an advantage in protecting the enamel and increasing enamel resistance to acids, with a more significant benefit for the combined laser fluoride group. Key words:Prevention, Er, Cr: YSGG, enamel demineralization, fluoride, microhardness.

Effect of fluoride gels with nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate on the in vitro remineralization of caries lesions.

To evaluate the effects of fluoride (F) gels supplemented with micrometric or nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMPmicro and TMPnano, respectively) on the in vitro remineralization of caries-like lesions. Bovine enamel subsurface lesions (n=168) were selected according to their surface hardness (SH) and randomly divided into seven groups (n=24/group): Placebo (without F/TMP), 4,500 ppm F (4500F), 4500F + 2.5% TMPnano (2.5% Nano), 4500F + 5% TMPnano (5% Nano), 4500F + 5% TMPmicro (5% Micro), 9,000 ppm F (9000F), and 12,300 ppm F (Acid gel). The gels were applied in a thin layer for one minute. Half of the blocks were subjected to pH cycling for six days, whereas the remaining specimens were used for loosely- (calcium fluoride; CaF2) and firmly-bound (fluorapatite; FA) fluoride analysis. The percentage of surface hardness recovery (%SHR), area of subsurface lesion (ΔKHN), CaF2, FA, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) on/in enamel were determined. Data (log10-transformed) were subjected to ANOVA and the Student-Newman-Keuls' test (p<0.05). We observed a dose-response relation between F concentrations in the gels without TMP for %SHR and ΔKHN. The 2.5% Nano and 5% Micro reached similar %SHR when compared with 9000F and Acid gels. For ΔKHN, Placebo and 5% Nano gels had the highest values, and 5% Micro, 2.5% Nano, 9000F, and Acid gels, the lowest. All groups had similar retained CaF2 values, except for Placebo and Acid gel. We verified observed an increase in Ca concentrations in nano-sized TMP groups. Regarding P, TMP groups showed similar formation and retention to 9000F and Acid. Adding 2.5% nano-sized or 5% micrometric TMP to low-fluoride gels lead to enhanced in vitro remineralization of artificial caries lesions.

A comparison of the efficiency of silver diamine fluoride liquid and gel against organisms causing dental caries - An in vitro study

A comparison of the efficiency of silver diamine fluoride liquid and gel against organisms causing dental caries - An in vitro study

Effect of Drinking Water Fluoride on Gingivitis and Caries: A Study in Peat and Non-Peat Land: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Humans get fluoride from food and water available in their environment. The source of clean water in peatlands comes from rainwater with a low mineral content, especially fluoride. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the fluoride level in drinking water and salivary fluoride levels, as well as their potential impact on dental and oral health conditions. It is a causal-comparative study with a cross-sectional approach at the Health Polytechnics of Pontianak and Yogyakarta. The population were indigenous people in peat land (Pontianak) and non-peat land (Yogyakarta). The data were pH and mineral content in drinking water, saliva, the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies, dental caries rates, and gingivitis. Drinking water fluoride is only significantly correlated with salivary fluoride on non-peat land. If these data are combined, it can be seen that drinking water fluoride is positively correlated (P < 0.05; CI 95%) with pH water, fluoride water, and pH saliva. Increased levels of fluoride in drinking water were negatively correlated with gingivitis, dental caries, and S. mutans. Drinking water fluoride is negatively correlated with dental caries and gingivitis in peatland and non-peatland communities, but would be significantly associated with dental caries and gingivitis if both peatland and non-peatland data were analyzed together. This is due to the low content of fluoride in the drinking water of peatland. Therefore, it is necessary to add fluoride gel to the teeth to prevent the development of dental caries.

Comparative In Vitro Study Regarding the Effect of 2% and 6% Titanium Tetrafluoride on Demineralized Human Enamel

Background: Dental caries is the most common disease of the childhood and adulthood where the mineral contents of the enamel of the teeth begin to lose due to acids attacks by demineralization process. It can be prevented by application of fluoride that increased the mineral content of the enamel and made it highly resistant to acid demineralization. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) in different concentrations and frequencies on surface microstructure and chemical structure of artificially demineralized enamel. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 35 premolar teeth: seven teeth randomly selected remained sound (five for energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis and two for scan electronic microscopy, whereas the remaining 28 teeth were divided into four treatment groups (n = 7): (1) control negative (deionized water), (2) control positive (acidulated phosphate fluoride gel), (3) 6% TiF4 solution once daily, (4) 2% TiF4 solution three times daily. Chemical structure and surface microstructure analyses were made for sound, after demineralization then after treatments. Results: The fluoride content was greater in 6% TiF4, whereas the calcium content was greater in control positive followed by 6% TiF4 then 2% TiF4 groups. Surface microstructure revealed uniform, smooth, glaze-like surface with no irregularities in 6% TiF4 while localized areas of glaze-like depositions were noted in 2% TiF4. Conclusions: The TiF4 showed better minerals contents and uniform surface in its higher concentration and the frequency of applications was not important as concentration.

Is professionally applied fluoride effective in preventing or arresting caries in older adults?

Design Systematic review of clinical trials.Case selection Clinical trials with adults 60 years of age or older who professionally received fluoride therapy for caries prevention or arrest. Controls were adults of the same age group who received another professionally applied fluoride agent, placebo, or nothing.Data analysis The expected outcomes were the mean difference in the number of new caries, caries prevented fraction and caries arrest rate. Independently, two researchers assessed the risk of bias in the included studies.Results Seven studies met the selection criteria where 5% sodium fluoride varnish, 38% sodium diamine fluoride solution and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel were used with root caries and coronal caries. Given the nature of the studies, the three agents were effective in preventing root caries in older adults. None of the agents were particularly superior to the others.Conclusions Professionally applied fluoride is effective in preventing dental caries in older adults.

Estimation of wettability of topical fluoride gel on anterior and posterior teeth: An in vitro study.

The surface area determination has a vital role in measuring the properties of liquid and solid substances. Fluoride is a potent remineralizing agent of the teeth. The surface area is measured using a goniometer. The main aim of this study is to estimate the wettability of topical fluoride gel on the anterior and posterior teeth surfaces. Topical acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel was taken in small quantities. Anterior and posterior teeth were collected, and their superficial unaltered enamel sections were used as the surface where the contact angle (CA) is determined. The surface wettability is determined using Ossila goniometer to measure CA. Each stage was mounted on a mechanical stage of the goniometer. A calibrated microsyringe was used to dispense drops of the APF gel over the surface of the specimen Group A (anterior tooth cut section) and Group B (posterior tooth cut section). This procedure is repeated for all specimen samples. The mean of CAs of the anterior teeth (88.41°) was greater when compared with the mean of posterior teeth (80.36°) CA. P value found using the paired t-test of SPSS software is found to be 0.271 (>0.05), hence statistically not significant. The greater the CA, the lower is the degree of wettability on the teeth surfaces. The mean CA of the topical fluoride APF gel on the anterior tooth surface is greater when compared to the posterior tooth surface. This signifies that greater wettability is seen on posterior tooth surfaces.

&lt;strong&gt;The effect of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel against erosion on enamel microstructure of primary teeth which soaked with Citrus aurantifolia &lt;/strong&gt;

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Erosion is a common dental problem that is especially prevalent in children due to the increasing consumption of acidic food and beverages. APF gel is believed to be effective in reducing the demineralization effect of the teeth as well as escalating the remineralization process. This research aims to determine and evaluate the effectiveness of 1.23% APF gel as a preventive agent for the erosion of tooth enamel, specifically in deciduous teeth. Methods: This type of research is true experimental research. The population of this research would be primary teeth extracted from children, using a purposive sampling technique with inclusive and exclusive criteria. A total amount of 5 maxillary primary central incisors were extracted and cleaned. APF gel was applied repetitively on the left side of the teeth for 4 minutes every hour, whereas the right side was left as it is. Samples were then analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A qualitative and subjective analysis regarding the micromorphological features of the erosion can be done. Result: The side of teeth without APF gel application has a greater erosion rate compared with teeth with APF gel application. The tooth which is demineralized shows a honeycomb structure of the interprismatic enamel. As for the dentinal tubules, teeth without APF gel application have a bigger opening of dentinal tubules, going up to 7.868 micrometers in size compared to teeth with APF gel application (1-2 micrometers). Conclusion: The application of professional acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel on deciduous teeth even when soaked in Citrus aurantifolia, is proven to be effective in preventing dental erosion.Keywords: acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel; citrus aurantifolia; dental erosion; primary tooth

Engineering peptide-polymer hybrids for targeted repair and protection of cervical lesions.

By 2060, nearly 100 million people in the U.S. will be over age 65 years. One-third of these older adults will have root caries, and nearly 80% will have dental erosion. These conditions can cause pain and loss of tooth structure that interfere with eating, speaking, sleeping, and quality of life. Current treatments for root caries and dental erosion have produced unreliable results. For example, the glass-ionomer-cement or composite-resin restorations used to treat these lesions have annual failure rates of 44% and 17%, respectively. These limitations and the pressing need to treat these conditions in the aging population are driving a focus on microinvasive strategies, such as sealants and varnishes. Sealants can inhibit caries on coronal surfaces, but they are ineffective for root caries. For healthy, functionally independent elders, chlorhexidine varnish applied every 3 months inhibits root caries, but this bitter-tasting varnish stains the teeth. Fluoride gel inhibits root caries, but requires prescriptions and daily use, which may not be feasible for some older patients. Silver diamine fluoride can both arrest and inhibit root caries but stains the treated tooth surface black. The limitations of current approaches and high prevalence of root caries and dental erosion in the aging population create an urgent need for microinvasive therapies that can: (a) remineralize damaged dentin; (b) inhibit bacterial activity; and (c) provide durable protection for the root surface. Since cavitated and non-cavitated root lesions are difficult to distinguish, optimal approaches will treat both. This review will explore the multi-factorial elements that contribute to root surface lesions and discuss a multi-pronged strategy to both repair and protect root surfaces. The strategy integrates engineered peptides, novel polymer chemistry, multi-scale structure/property characterization and predictive modeling to develop a durable, microinvasive treatment for root surface lesions.

Enhancement of fluoride release in glass ionomer cements modified with titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

Several efforts have been made to improve the glass ionomer cements (GICs) properties with nanotechnology. Fluoride release in once of most beneficial properties of GICs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fluoride release, recharge, and cytotoxicity in GICs reinforced with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2N). Evaluate the fluoride release, recharge, and cytotoxicity in GICs reinforced with TiO2N. Four GICs, FUJI IX EXTRA (G1c), KETAC MOLAR (G2c), IONOFILL MOLAR (G3c), and FUJI IX (G4c) were combined with TiO2N (G1e, G2e, G3e, and G4e) and divided into blocks of 5-mm width and 1-mm thickness 10 each. A total of 80 samples were arranged as follows: GICs alone as negative control (n = 40) and GICs + TiO2N as experimental groups (n = 40). The fluoride release was determined for periods of 1, 2, 6, 10, 31, 90, 180, 240, and 300 days. On days 30 and 179, samples were recharged by submerging in 1 mL of 20,000 ppm sodium fluoride gel. Cytotoxic activity was carried out with gingival fibroblasts, using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide cell viability assay. The experimental groups obtained the highest and more constant fluoride released when compared to control groups. After the first recharge, experimental groups (G1e, G3e, and G4e) showed statistically significant results (P = .001, 0.010, and 0.001 respectively) enhancing their recharge ability regarding control groups. The second recharge showed better results in G1e concerning the rest of the groups. No cytotoxic activity was observed in all experimental groups, although significant differences were observed in G3e and G4e regarding control group. The incorporation of TiO2N enhance the fluoride release in glass ionomers with a noncytotoxic effect on human gingival fibroblasts.

Gels containing statherin-derived peptide protect against enamel and dentin erosive tooth wear in vitro

The effect of gels containing a statherin-derived peptide (Stn) on the protection against enamel and dentin erosive tooth wear (ETW) in vitro was evaluated. Bovine enamel and dentin specimens were divided into 2 groups (n = 15 and 18/group for enamel and dentin, respectively) that were treated with Chitosan or Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) gels containing Stn15pSpS at 1.88 × 10-5 M or 3.76 × 10-5 M. Chitosan or CMC gels without active ingredients served as negative controls, while chitosan gel containing 1.23% F (as NaF) and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (1.23% F) served as positive controls. The gels were applied on the specimens for 4 min. Stimulated saliva was collected from 3 donors and used to form a 2-h acquired pellicle on the specimens. Then, the specimens were submitted to an erosive pH cycling protocol 4 times/day for 7 days (0.01 M HCl pH 2.0/45 s, artificial saliva/2 h, and artificial saliva overnight). The gels were applied again during pH cycling, 2 times/day for 4 min after the first and last erosive challenges. Enamel and dentin loss (μm) were assessed by contact profilometry. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was analyzed using a cold field emission. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA (for chitosan and CMC gels, separately) and Tukey's multiple comparison test. SEM images showed changes to enamel topography after application oft the gels containing Stn or F. Regarding CMC-based gels, for enamel, none of the treatments significantly reduced ETW in comparison with placebo; for dentin, however, gels containing Stn, regardless the concentration, significantly reduced the ETW. Moreover, Chitosan-based gels, regardless the Stn concentration, were able to protect enamel and dentin against ETW. Gels containing Stn might be a new approach to protect against ETW.