Enamel Microhardness Research Articles

Evaluation of different remineralizing agents on microhardness and surface roughness of bleached enamel

Purpose To evaluate remineralization efficacy of self-assembling peptide (Curodont) and sodium calcium phosphosilicate (Novamin) on bleached teeth. Materials and methods Twenty freshly extracted human premolars were selected, roots were separated, and crowns were impregnated in acrylic resin then kept in artificial saliva. Specimens were randomly divided into two equal groups (10 specimens for each group). Group 1 specimens were bleached and treated with Curodont and group 2 specimens were bleached and treated with Novamin. Enamel microhardness and surface roughness changes were measured for both groups using Vickers hardness testing machine and Surface Profile Gage (Positector), respectively. Results Bleaching increased enamel surface roughness value (0.6 ± 0.10 μm) more than the baseline value (0.3 ± 0.09 μm) and decreased enamel microhardness (239.4 ± 5.33 MPa) compared to unbleached group (334.9 ± 4.26 MPa). After remineralization with Curodont, surface roughness decreased (0.4 ± 0.06 μm) and microhardness increased (300.3 ± 5.92 MPa) while after remineralization with Novamin surface roughness slightly decreased (0.5 ± 0.08 μm) and enamel microhardness slightly increased (252.8 ± 7.35 MPa). Spearman’s correlation test revealed an inverse relationship between surface roughness and microhardness after bleaching (r s=−0.177, −0.818) for groups 1 and 2, respectively, and a strong correlation between surface roughness and microhardness after treatment with Curodont and Novamin as whenever surface roughness decreased, microhardness increased (r s=−0.921, P < 0.001) in group 1 and (r s=−0.855, P < 0.002) in group 2. Conclusion Both Curodont and Novamin have a reasonable potential to remineralize bleached teeth by increasing enamel microhardness and decreasing surface roughness. However, Curodont is better than Novamin in the remineralization effect.

Effect of Rosemary Endophytic Fungal Extract on Microhardness of Enamel and Its Inhibitory Effect on Glucosyltransferase Enzyme of Streptococcus mutans- An In Vitro Study

Effect of Rosemary Endophytic Fungal Extract on Microhardness of Enamel and Its Inhibitory Effect on Glucosyltransferase Enzyme of Streptococcus mutans- An In Vitro Study

The effect of ozone and silver diamine fluoride combination on enamel microhardness: an in vitro study

The effect of ozone and silver diamine fluoride combination on enamel microhardness: an in vitro study

Does the whitening dentifrice containing activated charcoal interfere with the properties of dental enamel? Microhardness, surface roughness and colorimetry analyzes.

The study evaluated the influence of whitening dentifrice containing activated charcoal on microhardness (MH), surface roughness (Ra) and colorimetry of tooth enamel. A total of 60 healthy bovine incisor teeth were used and divided into: G1 (regular non-whitening toothpaste), G2 (conventional whitening toothpaste), G3 (activated charcoal based whitening toothpaste) and G4 (10% carbamide peroxide gel - PC10). Groups G1, G2 and G3 underwent simulated toothbrushing for 14 days, while G4 received bleaching treatment for the same time. The readings of MH, Ra and colorimetry were performed before any intervention (T0 - baseline) and at the end of 14 days of the proposed treatments (T1). After confirming the normality of the data, the results of MH, Ra and colorimetry were subjected to 2-factor ANOVA for repeated measures (α = 5%). For MH, there were no statistical differences in G1, G2 and G3, only in G4. Considering Ra, a significant increase was observed in G2 and G3, with no statistical differences found in the other groups. Regarding colorimetry, the average color difference (ΔE) was greater in the G4 group (11.30 ± 4.31), even compared to the groups submitted to the whitening dentifrices: G2 (5.13 ± 2.75) and G3 (5.86 ± 3.66). It was concluded that the use of a whitening toothpaste containing activated charcoal caused deleterious effects on the enamel Ra, but did not affect the microhardness of the substrate, besides promoting a color change inferior to the regular non-bleaching toothpaste or PC10 gel. Key words:Whitening dentifrice, charcoal, roughness, microhardness.

Comparative evaluation of probiotic solutions on surface roughness and microhardness of different restorative materials and enamel.

This research study aimed to investigate the impact of probiotic mouthwash and kefir on the surface characteristics, specifically surface roughness and microhardness, of different restorative materials, as well as permanent and deciduous tooth enamels. Thirty disc-shaped specimens were prepared from composite resin (G-ænial Posterior (GP)), polyacid-modified composite resin (compomer) (Dyract-XP (DXP)), and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Ionoseal (IS)). Additionally, thirty specimens of enamel were obtained from permanent teeth (PT) and thirty from deciduous teeth (DT) by embedding buccal and lingual sections, acquired through vertical sectioning of 15 permanent and 15 deciduous human tooth crowns in the mesiodistal orientation within acrylic resin blocks. The specimens were then categorized into three distinct groups and immersed for 14 days in one of the following solutions: distilled water, kefir or probiotic mouthwash. The mean surface roughness values of all specimens were assessed using an atomic force microscope, while the mean surface microhardness was measured using a Vickers hardness measuring instrument. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in mean surface roughness among the various restorative materials (p < 0.001). Among the restorative materials, the IS material exhibited notably higher mean surface roughness values than other restorative materials and tooth enamel, while no significant differences were observed between the PT and DT groups. Importantly, the main effect of the solutions under investigation was not statistically significant (p = 0.208). No significant difference was found between the surface roughness values of specimens subjected to the different solutions. When evaluating the effects of materials and solutions on microhardness, the main effects of material and solution variables and the influence of material-solution interactions were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Taken together, these results indicate that consistent use of kefir or probiotic mouthwashes may impact the surface properties of various restorative materials and tooth enamel.

Evaluation of Remineralizing Capacity of Tricalcium Phosphate, Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Ozone Remineralizing Agents on the Artificial Carious Lesion.

Dental caries is a dynamic process. By using therapeutic agents, early, noncavitated lesions and caries limited to the enamel can be stopped or even remineralized. For the remineralization of the initial carious lesion, many nonfluoridated remineralizing agents were investigated. An observational study to assess the remineralizing efficacy of tricalcium phosphate (TCP), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and ozone remineralizing agents on the artificial carious lesion. In this observational research, the artificial carious lesion was produced on extracted 40 premolar teeth. Later, remineralizing agents (Group A: nHAp, Group B: TCP, Group C: Ozone remineralizing agents, Group D: Control group (Deionized water) were used to remineralize demineralized teeth. Utilizing the Vickers Hardness Number, the level of demineralization and remineralization was assessed. Later these readings were statistically assessed using the Tukey's HSD (honestly significant difference) and ANOVA tests in SPSS version 21.0. The P value was set at 0.05 or less. After demineralization, there was a decrease in enamel microhardness values, with 32% in Group A, 26% in Group B, 22% in Group C, and 21% in Group D, respectively. From the baseline to demineralization, there was a statistically significant decrease in microhardness across all groups. After remineralization, Groups A, B, and C experienced an increase in microhardness while Group D experienced no changes. This showed that Group A had the highest remineralization percentage, followed by Group B and Group C. nHAp and TCP had the greater remineralizing ability, which can be used to manage initial carious lesions.

Assessing the Impact of Varied Dark Chocolate Concentrations on Enamel and Dentine Microhardness

(1) Background: The objective of the current investigation was to determine how different dark chocolate concentrations impacted the enamel and dentine microhardness. (2) Methods: Twenty noncarious premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons were used in this study. Each tooth was divided mesiodistally to obtain 40 specimens of enamel and dentine 4 × 4 mm. Initial and final assessments of the surface microhardness of the enamel and dentine were created using a Digital Micro Vickers Hardness Tester (Laryee, Beijing, China) under (0.24 N load for 15 s). Four random groups (n = 10) were created: G1 (control, immersed in artificial saliva), G2 (70%), G3 (85%), and G4 (100% dark chocolate). Each sample underwent four cycles of 60-s immersion in suggested concentrations, followed by 30 min in artificial saliva. The attained values underwent statistical analysis employing SPSS version 26, with the utilization of T-tests and ANOVA. (3) Results: The results revealed a significant, incremental increase in the average microhardness values for enamel, specifically 61.72 ± 22.729, 64.17 ± 23.397, and 109.15 ± 34.625, and for dentin from 57.91 ± 8.332 to 72.29 ± 2.752 and ultimately reaching 88.67 ± 8.602, corresponding to the escalating concentrations of dark chocolate (70%, 85%, and 100%) (p &lt; 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Immersing the specimens in different concentrations of dark chocolate had a significant positive impact on the microhardness of both enamel and dentine.

Interpretation of the effect of using whitening toothpastes through a literature review

Advertising and marketing play a crucial role in the perception of the effectiveness of whitening toothpastes. The study's aim was to interpret the effect of using whitening toothpastes through a literature review. This study adopted a hermeneutic perspective to interpret the collected data. The implemented methodology was observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective. A search was conducted in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases in English, as well as SciELO, Scopus, and Elsevier in Spanish, using key terms in both languages. Ultimately, 25 articles offering valuable and relevant information for the study were analyzed. The study revealed that whitening toothpastes, specifically Colgate Maxwhite, Colgate Luminous White, and Crest with peroxide, stand out for their ability to significantly improve color and provide an effective polish to the dental surface, compared to other brands that do not achieve these results. Additionally, the importance of selecting toothpastes with a Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) index of less than 250 to prevent dental sensitivity and enamel damage is emphasized. Although no significant differences were found in the enamel's microhardness among the pastes evaluated, Crest appears to offer superior resistance on the external surface of the dental tissue. The study's major conclusion underscores the need for an informed choice of whitening toothpastes, prioritizing those with evidence of efficacy in improving dental color and maintaining a low abrasivity index to protect dental health

The effect of location/site on polished human enamel after mechanical and chemical wear

ObjectiveTo compare profilometry and microhardness of polished occlusal and buccal human enamel following a mechanical and chemical wear regime. MethodsEnamel from polished human molars were sectioned into buccal and occlusal surfaces and randomly allocated into two groups (n = 10) and then exposed to 0.3 % citric acid at pH 2.7 for 10, 20, 40 and 60 mins each followed by abrasion with non-fluoridated toothpaste for 240 strokes in a reciprocating brushing machine. A white light profilometer with a spot size of 12 um measured mean step-height following each cycle. Microhardness indentations were conducted following the final cycled 60 mins erosion/abrasion using 0.01, 0.02, 0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 kgf indentation load. Statistical disparity were evaluated using a two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Sidak's multiple comparisons tests at α = 0.05. ResultsAfter erosion/abrasion, the mean (SD) step-heights on occlusal and buccal surfaces were not significantly different until 60 mins, when occlusal surfaces exhibited greater step-heights, 32.9 µm (2.8) and 31.1 µm (1.8) and p = 0.02, respectively. Buccal and occlusal microhardness was statistically lower following erosion/abrasion at loads of 0.01 kgf (p = 0.0005) and 0.02 kgf (p = 0.0006) but no significant differences were observed in the microhardness between the surfaces at any loads. ConclusionThe occlusal and buccal surfaces were not statistically different for microhardness or step height suggesting the susceptibility to wear is not related to the anatomy and structure of the tooth and is more likely related to other factors such as the environment. Clinical SignificanceThe study emphasizes that a notable difference in wear between occlusal and buccal enamel surfaces emerges only after prolonged exposure to simultaneous chemical and mechanical stress. This finding necessitates a preventive dental approach that accounts for both the duration of exposure and environmental factors.

Effect of lactoferrin on enamel characteristics of primary and permanent teeth: an in-vitro study

BackgroundLactoferrin, a glycoprotein naturally found in breast milk, is known for its bactericidal and antiviral properties, as well as its capacity to modulate the immune system; therefore, pediatricians routinely recommend it as dietary support. The objective of this study was to determine how lactoferrin oral suspension could affect the enamel surface characteristics of primary and permanent teeth.MethodsThis research was conducted on 40 unidentified extracted teeth, including primary and permanent teeth. Experimental teeth were free of cracks or enamel defects, as confirmed by careful examination using a dental operating microscope. The crowns were bisected into 80 specimens and assorted into two groups based on the type of dentition. Group DM included 40 specimens of second deciduous molars, while Group PM contained 40 samples of first premolars. Each of the DM and PM specimens was subsequently split based on the type of dispersion medium into two subgroups: a control subgroup (artificial saliva) and a test subgroup (lactoferrin suspension). The specimens were immersed in lactoferrin suspension for two minutes, then kept in artificial saliva for the rest of the 24 h for 30 successive days. This is a pioneering study about the effect of orally supplemented lactoferrin on teeth; therefore, we examined enamel hardness, ultra-morphology, and mineral contents.ResultsOur findings indicated a highly significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the microhardness of the lactoferrin subgroup in Group DM (second deciduous molars) and a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the microhardness of the lactoferrin subgroup in Group PM (premolars). Calcium weight% was not statistically different (p > 0.05) compared with a significant decline (p < 0.05) in phosphorus weight% in lactoferrin subgroups in both DM and PM groups. The enamel surface of lactoferrin subgroups in both DM and PM groups was demineralized and porous, with the enamel of deciduous teeth being more affected by lactoferrin than permanent teeth.ConclusionLactoferrin suspension decreased the microhardness of enamel and both calcium and phosphorus weight percentages. Both dentitions exhibited erosions in the enamel surface, with primary teeth being more affected than the permanent teeth.

Effects of 35% Versus 10% Carbamide Peroxide At-Home Bleaching Agents with or without MI Paste Plus on Enamel Properties

This study compared the effects of 35% with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) home used bleaching agents on enamel color change, microhardness, and surface changes in association with MI paste plus (CPP -ACPF). Forty buccal and lingual enamel samples from twenty human third molars were prepared and divided into four groups (n=10). The groups were bleached for two weeks according to different bleaching regimens as follow; G1 bleached with 10%CP, G2 bleached with 35%CP, G3 bleached with a mixture of 10%CP and MI paste plus, and G4 bleached with a mixture of 35%CP and MI paste plus. Color change was recorded with a colorimeter before and after bleaching and total color differences (ΔE*) was calculated. Vickers microhardness test was recorded for all the samples before and after treatment. One sample from each group was evaluated for surface changes by scan electron microscopy (SEM). The data were analyzed with repeated measure of variance and student's t-test at p&lt;0.05. No significant difference in ΔE* was recorded among the four groups (p&gt;0.05). Significant reduction in enamel microhardness was only recorded for G2 (p=0.003). SEM for G3 and G4 showed obvious mineral deposition. Similar teeth color whitening can be resulted after two weeks of bleaching with both 10%CP and 35%CP when used as recommended by the manufacturer with and without the addition of MI paste plus. Using 35%CP decreased enamel microhardness significantly, whereas MI paste plus when mixed with both bleaching agents could compensate for the microhardness reduction.

A novel DLX3 mutation causes tricho-dento-osseous syndrome with abnormal enamel structure and formation

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify a DLX3 gene mutation in a family with atypical clinical manifestations of tricho-dento-osseous syndrome (TDO) and its impact on tooth enamel thickness, microhardness, structure and formation. DesignWhole-exome sequencing detected DLX3 mutations in the family. Micro-CT, Vickers hardness tester, energy dispersive spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy were performed on the deciduous teeth of the proband and controls. In vitro experiments preliminarily verified the effect of this mutation on ameloblast differentiation and suggested possible molecular mechanisms. ResultsWe found a new DLX3 frame-shift mutation (NM_005220.3: c.604_605del: p. S202 *) in this family. Compared with control teeth, the mutant enamel showed a significant decrease in thickness, hardness and calcium content and an increase in magnesium content. The enamel structure appeared disordered. In an immortalized ameloblast-lineage cell (ALC) line, this mutation affected ameloblast differentiation and downregulated the expression levels of enamel matrix protein (EMP) genes (Amelx, Tuft1, Klk4, Ambn, Odam). A luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that this mutation significantly reduced the transactivation activity of DLX3 on Amelx/Odam/Klk4. ConclusionWe found a new DLX3 mutation in a Chinese family with enamel dysplasia and that this mutation may affect ameloblast differentiation by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of Amelx/Odam/Klk4, thereby interfering with enamel formation. Our findings further expand the variation spectrum and enrich the evidence of molecular genetics of DLX3 mutations.

α-Mangostin and lawsone methyl ether in tooth gel synergistically increase its antimicrobial and antibiofilm formation effects in vitro

Objectivesα-Mangostin (α-MG) and lawsone methyl ether (LME) show antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities. The objectives of this study were to develop a herbal tooth gel containing α-MG and LME plus fluoride and determine its antimicrobial, anti-biofilm formation, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and enamel microhardness effects.MethodsAntimicrobial assays against Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Candida albicans were performed. The microbes’ ultrastructural morphology was assessed using Transmission Electron Microscopy. The effect on microbial biofilm formation was tested by a broth microdilution. Cell viability was assessed with MTT assay. The anti-inflammatory effect was investigated by measuring inhibition of nitric oxide production. Enamel microhardness was measured via Vickers microhardness testing. The enamel chemical composition was investigated with Fourier Transform Spectrometer. The enamel surface morphology and fluoride content were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy.ResultsThe results show synergistic effects of α-MG and LME on antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm formation without cytotoxicity at a therapeutic dose. At a higher dose, the tooth gel inhibited proliferation of cancer cell line. Enamel microhardness was increased after brushing with the tooth gel plus fluoride. A large amount of fluoride was detected on the enamel surface.ConclusionThe tooth gel containing α-MG and LME synergized its antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm formation and inhibited oral cancer cell proliferation. Incorporating fluoride into the tooth gel increased enamel microhardness. Thus, the herbal tooth gel containing α-MG and LME plus fluoride may be useful for preventing dental caries and promoting oral health.

Effects of topical fluoride on primary tooth enamel microhardness after diode laser treatment

ObjectivesTooth decay is controlled and prevented using fluorides. Specifically, a combination of laser irradiation and topical fluoride application can improve fluoride absorption. Although laser irradiation is recommended in traditional technology for caries prevention, little is known about the efficacy of caries-inhibiting laser diodes. Further, most studies have focused on permanent teeth. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of laser diode radiation mixed with topical fluoride on the enamel surface microhardness of primary teeth. Material and methodThe 60 primary teeth were divided into 60 plates. Baseline Vickers microhardness was established for each enamel surface. The samples were then divided into three groups. 4 % NaF varnish (group A) and 4 % NaF varnish using diode 2 and 3 W lasers (groups B and C, respectively). The final microhardness was measured and statistically evaluated using SPSS version 16. ANOVA was used to compare the means of the tested groups, which had a P-value of 0.05, indicating significance. ResultThe mean and standard deviation of microhardness for the different groups was tested. Group C (4 % NaF with a diode laser at 3 W) showed a higher average Vickers hardness (VHN) than Group B (4 % NaF with a diode laser at 2 W), whereas group A showed the lowest average VHN. There was a significant difference in microhardness between groups (P 0.05). ConclusionThis study explored the effect of laser mixed with topical fluoride on enamel surface microhardness of primary teeth. The use of a diode laser (Quanta System, Italy) with a fluoride varnish applied to the enamel surface has a greater effect on the resistance of the enamel to caries.

The Effect of Salbutamol and Budesonide Pediatric Doses on Dental Enamel and Packable and Flowable Composites: Microhardness, Surface Roughness and Color.

To assess and compare the effects of two pediatric anti-asthmatic medication doses on the microhardness of enamel and microhardness, surface roughness and color of restorative materials. Human enamel samples and packable and flowable composite restorations were used. The samples were exposed to Salbutamol (0.6 mL/6 mL saline) and Budesonide (2 mL/2 mL saline) via a custom-made chamber connected to a nebulizer. Medication administration was conducted for 10 days. The samples were brushed with an electronic brush in a continuous and circular mode for 10 s after 10 min of medication administration. Assessments of microhardness, surface roughness and color were carried out at three different time intervals: baseline (T0), 5 days (T1) and 10 days (T2). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), a two-sample t-test and a Bonferroni multiple comparison test were used to analyze the data and compare between the groups. Both medications significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the microhardness of the enamel and composite samples after 10 days. Both medications lowered the surface roughness of both types of composite with a greater effect observed after 10 days of Budesonide administration (p < 0.05). Both medications had comparable detectable color change on both types of composite with a greater effect observed after 10 days of Budesonide administration (p < 0.05). Salbutamol and Budesonide significantly decreased microhardness in the enamel samples. Both medications affected the properties of packable and flowable composites. The packable composite showed more resistance to microhardness changes. Both medications showed a clinically detectable change in the color of packable and flowable composites.

Effect of diode laser irradiation in combination with different re-mineralizing agents on enamel micro-hardness (in-vitro study)

Effect of diode laser irradiation in combination with different re-mineralizing agents on enamel micro-hardness (in-vitro study)

Analysis of the distribution of microhardness, mineral, and organic content of human, bovine, and ovine teeth

Objetive. Human teeth have been commonly used for in vitro and in situ studies. Cu­rrently, other animals’ teeth have been purposed for dental research to overcome human teeth’ problematic availability. This study aimed to investigate the enamel and dentin from human, bovine, and ovine teeth concerning the microhardness, organic, and inorganic contents via micro-Raman spectroscopy. Methods. Human, bovine, and ovine teeth were divided according to their type and age into seven groups: Ovine; Bovine-12 months; Bovine-24 months; Bovine-36 months; Bovine-48 months; Bovine-+60 months; Human (control). The enamel’s microhardness (superficial and deep) and dentin (superficial, middle, and deep) were analyzed. The calcium/phosphate ratio and amide contents were determined by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Results. Overall, the microhardness of human enamel was superior to the other species. Dentin’s microhardness was similar among groups. Ovine group showed lower values of calcium/phosphate ratio than human. Amide content was similar between bovine and human. The microhardness and calcium/phosphate ratio of enamel and dentin, respectively, decreased as the age of bovine teeth increased. Conclusions. Researchers must be aware and take into consideration the differences of ovine and bovine enamel compared to human enamel. Other alternatives that are more similar to the microhardness of human enamel should be sought. Bovine teeth of 12 and 24 months are suitable substitutes for dentin of human teeth. Researchers must also be aware of the age of the animals and specify it in the studies.

Effect of pH of In-Office Bleaching Gels and Timing of Fluoride Gel Application on Microhardness and Surface Morphology of Enamel.

To assess microhardness (VH) of enamel treated with two in-office bleaching agents with different pH and to study the effect of post- and prebleaching fluoride therapy. Eighty bovine incisors were divided into eight groups: G1-Unbleached group; G2-2% NaF; G3-Pola Office (pH = 3.8); G4-Pola Office+ (pH = 7); G5-Pola Office followed by 2% NaF; G6-2% NaF followed by Pola Office; G7-Pola Office+ followed by 2% NaF; G8-2% NaF followed by Pola Office+. Bleaching was conducted 3x with 1-week intervals (T1/T7/T14). Specimens were kept in artificial saliva. VH was measured at T1, T7, and T14. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA. Surface morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy. There was no significant difference among the groups at T1. No significant difference was found between G3 and G4 at all intervals. 2% NaF (G5/G6 vs. G3) significantly prevented softening at T7 and T14. Some nonsignificant hardening was observed for 2% NaF for G7/G8 vs. G4. At T14, G3 showed the lowest VH values. G5 showed higher VH values compared to other groups apart from G6-G7. No relationship between bleaching protocols and surface morphology was observed. Pola Office caused the most softening. 2% NaF gel application after Pola Office bleaching was effective in recovering enamel hardness. Fluoride application after Pola Office+ bleaching provided little benefit.

Comparative Evaluation on the Effects of Three Pediatric Syrups on Microhardness, Roughness and Staining of the Primary Teeth Enamel: An In-Vitro Study.

​​​​​Introduction One of the most prevalent oral diseases is dental caries. Syrups are commonly used by children who have difficulty swallowing tablets and capsules. Some medications can make dental caries worse and cause the enamel to erode. Most of the time, parents are unaware that a number of foods, drinks, and syrup-formulated pediatric drugs include sugar, whichcan cause erosion of primary teeth, resulting in plaque accumulation and dental caries.Henceforth, theaim of this study is to assess the effects of pediatric syrups on the microhardness, roughness, and staining ability of primary tooth enamel as a result of daily intake of syrup. Methods Eighty primary teeth, including both anterior and posterior, that required extraction due to pre-shedding mobility were randomly divided into four groups of twenty samples each. Samples were exposed to multivitamin syrup (Rudimin), iron syrup (C Pink), and diuretic syrup (Furosemide). The samples were submerged in 10 mL of the respective medication once daily for five minutes for 21 days. On days 0 and 21, enamel surfaces were assessed for changes in microhardness, roughness, and staining. The microhardness was assessed using a Micro Vickers microhardness tester machine; the roughness was assessed using a Mitutoyo surface roughness tester; and the staining ability was assessed using a spectrophotometer, and data processing was done using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test andTukey's post hoc analysis. Results The changes in enamel surface for microhardness, roughness, and staining were assessed twice, at days 0 and 21. Group 4 (Furoped) showed a significant difference in surface microhardnessand staining ability of enamel surfaces with a statistically significant p-value (<0.05). When roughness was compared, allthree interventions had a significant difference from the control group, whereas there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention groups. Conclusion This study concludes that pediatric syrups can significantly weaken the enamel of primary teeth, resulting in loss of enamel surface microhardness and roughness making them vulnerable to caries. Since frequent consumption of these syrups is correlated with tooth decay, certain precautions like oral hygiene maintenance and rinsingwith water after taking the syrup should be done to prevent dental caries, as consumption of medicinal syrups by children cannot be avoided.

Tmem2 Deficiency Leads to Enamel Hypoplasia and Soft Enamel in Mouse

Teeth consist of 3 mineralized tissues: enamel, dentin, and cementum. Tooth malformation, the most common craniofacial anomaly, arises from complex genetic and environmental factors affecting enamel structure, size, shape, and tooth eruption. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a primary extracellular matrix component, contributes to structural and physiological functions in periodontal tissue. Transmembrane protein 2 (TMEM2), a novel cell surface hyaluronidase, has been shown to play a critical role during embryogenesis. In this study, we demonstrate Tmem2 messenger RNA expression in inner enamel epithelium and presecretory, secretory, and mature ameloblasts. Tmem2 knock-in reporter mice reveal TMEM2 protein localization at the apical and basal ends of secretory ameloblasts. Micro–computed tomography analysis of epithelial-specific Tmem2 conditional knockout (Tmem2-CKO) mice shows a significant reduction in enamel layer thickness and severe enamel deficiency. Enamel matrix protein expression was remarkably downregulated in Tmem2-CKO mice. Scanning electron microscopy of enamel from Tmem2-CKO mice revealed an irregular enamel prism structure, while the microhardness and density of enamel were significantly reduced, indicating impaired ameloblast differentiation and enamel matrix mineralization. Histological evaluation indicated weak adhesion between cells and the basement membrane in Tmem2-CKO mice. The reduced and irregular expressions of vinculin and integrin β1 suggest that Tmem2 deficiency attenuated focal adhesion formation. In addition, abnormal HA accumulation in the ameloblast layer and weak claudin 1 immunoreactivity in Tmem2-CKO mice indicate impaired tight junction gate function. Irregular actin filament assembly was also observed at the apical and basal ends of secretory ameloblasts. Last, we demonstrated that Tmem2-deficient mHAT9d mouse ameloblasts exhibit defective adhesion to HA-containing substrates in vitro. Collectively, our data highlight the importance of TMEM2 in adhesion to HA-rich extracellular matrix, cell-to-cell adhesion, ameloblast differentiation, and enamel matrix mineralization.