Neutral Sodium Fluoride Research Articles

Effect of different fluoride pretreatments on adhesion to enamel and dentin using a universal adhesive

Objectives To evaluate and compare the bond strength of bulk fill composite when bonded to enamel or dentin pretreated with different concentrations of fluoride (F) compounds using a universal adhesive. Methods A total of 120 teeth were used, including 40 enamel specimens and 80 dentin specimens. Enamel specimens were ground flat, while dentin specimens were prepared by cutting until mid-coronal dentin. The teeth were divided into four groups (n = 30) to test the F-based agents: 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF), 1.1% neutral sodium fluoride (NSF), 0.4% stannous fluoride (SF), and a control group without F pretreatment. Each agent was applied for 30 s and rinsed before bonding. Enamel specimens underwent phosphoric acid etching (ER), while dentin specimens were bonded using either ER or self-etch (SE) protocols. Microtensile bond strength testing (μTBS) was performed after 24 h or 10,000 thermal cycles, and failure patterns were assessed. Results The study variables did not significantly affect μTBS values of enamel specimens. However, all study variables had a significant effect on μTBS values of dentin specimens. The ER protocol, after both control and SF pretreatment, exhibited the highest μTBS values. Conclusions Pretreatment of enamel with different concentrations of F prior to bonding appears to be safe in terms of bond durability. However, pretreatment with F concentrations higher than 1000 ppm adversely affected bonding to dentin. Clinical significance Pretreating tooth structure with F-based agents at concentrations below 1000 ppm prior to bonding shows promise as a viable option without compromising bond durability.

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.

An Extensive Comparison of the Clinical Efficiency of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF) and Neutral Sodium Fluoride (NaF) Oral Rinses in the Prevention of White Spot Lesions during Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background The purpose of this randomized trial is to compare the efficacy of weekly once regime of neutral sodium fluoride (NaF) oral rinse with that of acidulated phosphate (APF) formulated daily mouth rinse in the reduction of white spot lesions (WSLs) associated with fixed orthodontic appliance treatment. Methods The participants (n = 90) of this single-center, two-arm parallel study without a control group were randomly assigned with 1 : 1 distribution to each of the two groups after the bonding of brackets. Group A/test group 1 (n = 45) was given weekly rinse of neutral sodium fluoride (Colgate® PreviDent® Dental Rinse-0.2% NaF), and for group B/test group 2 (n = 45), an APF formulated daily oral rinse (Colgate® Ortho Defense@ PhosFlur® Rinse-0.044% w/v of NaF) was given for six months. The outcome was assessed by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) index for scoring the demineralization, and for scoring gingivitis, Loe and Silness gingival index (GI) was utilized. Four different time points “T0”immediately before bonding procedures, “T1” after 4weeks, “T2” after 12 weeks, and “T3” after 24 weeks were taken to assess the ICDAS and GI scores. Results The mean ICDAS scores for group A (NaF) were 0.025, 0.051, 0.093, and 0.113 and for group B (APF) were 0.014, 0.022, 0.038, and 0.015 at different points of time. The GI scores for group A were 0.008, 0.22, 0.33, and 0.38 and for group B were 0.003, 0.136, 0.181, and 0.097 at different time points. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) for both groups in terms of reducing WSL and GI. Conclusion APF formulated daily oral rinse—0.044% w/v of NaF—is more effective than the weekly once regimen of 0.2% NaF oral rinse to prevent white spot lesions.

The synergistic effect of Nano-propolis and curcumin-based photodynamic therapy on remineralization of white spot lesions: An ex vivo study

ObjectiveOne of the major problems in fixed orthodontic treatments is the control of enamel demineralization, white spots lesions (WSL), and dental caries around the brackets, which can be stopped by strengthening the remineralization process. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of propolis nanoparticles (NPro) and nano-curcumin-based photodynamic therapy (NCur-PDT) in the remineralization of WSL ex vivo. Materials and MethodsExperimental period was 5.5 months. After synthesis and characterization of NPro, the extracted bovine teeth were demineralized using a demineralization solution. They were divided into 7 groups (n=10) and treated in the following groups: 1) Negative control (artificial saliva), 2) Positive control or control of treatment (2% neutral sodium fluoride gel; NSF), 3) Nano-curcumin (NCur), 4) NPro, 5) Diode laser irradiation (light), 6) NCur with irradiation (NCur-PDT) and 7) NPro plus NCur-PDT (NPro+NCur-PDT). The treatment duration was 3 months and each treatment was conducted on T1 (the end of the third week), T2 (the end of the sixth week), T3 (the end of the ninth week), and T4 (the end of the twelfth week). Then, the microhardness, surface changes, and surface topography of the enamel were examined using digital hardness tester, DIAGNOdent Pen Reading, and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. ResultsIn all groups, after demineralization, the microhardness of tooth enamel decreased and after each of the treatments, the amount of microhardness significantly increased over time except light and artificial saliva groups. The earliest significant change in microhardness improvement was observed in the NPro+NCur-PDT group at T2 (P<0.05). Also, at T2, DIAGNODent Pen revealed the earliest significant improved change in the level of mineralization degree in the NPro+NCur-PDT group. NCur and light irradiation groups alone, like the control group (artificial saliva), did not lead to remineralization (P>0.05). Also, the NPro+NCur-PDT treatment results obtained from SEM after the last treatment in the twelfth week showed that remineralization in that group has significantly improved compared to other groups. ConclusionThe results of this study showed that combined use of NPro and NCur-PDT had more enamel remineralization efficacy in a shorter period. Simultaneous application of NPro and NCur-PDT had also a stronger therapeutic effect after 3 months.

Neutral Sodium Fluoride Gel Uptake of Newly Placed Nanodiamond-modified Glass Ionomers.

Three commercial restorative glass-ionomer cements (GICs) were modified with 5% and 10 wt/wt% nanodiamond (ND) particles incorporated into the powder of the GICs. The aim of the study was to assess the percentage of surface fluoride increase on different materials, following 2% neutral sodium fluoride gel application (2% NSF). Materials and Methods: The commercial GICs were: FN, Fuji IX GP (GC); KU, Ketac Universal (3M Oral Care); and RSC: Riva Self Cure (SDI). Grade 1 (Plasmachem) nanodiamond was used. Six specimens of each material were prepared using precise powder:liquid ratios. After a 10-min setting time, the GICs were polished. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups: control (group A) and test (group B). The samples were blot dried and group B received the 2% NSF gel for 2 min. The excess was wiped off with gauze and both groups were analyzed with SEM-EDS. Results: Data analysis revealed that all the GICs and their respective ND modifications had a statistically significant surface fluoride percentage increase (p < 0.0001) on the GICs in group B. The addition of ND10% w/w to FN (p < 0.001) and RSC (p = 0.029) resulted in statistically significant increase of surface fluoride percentage. KU remained consistent with no statistically significant increase noted between ND-modified KU and KU in group A or B. Conclusion: The ability of GICs to absorb the 2% NSF gel immediately after finishing of the restoration statistically significantly increases the fluoride percentage of the surface layer.

Evaluation of shear bond strength of brackets bonded to fluoride-treated enamel surfaces: An in vitro study

Enamel decalcification is a well-recognized problem associated with orthodontic treatment with fixed multibanded appliances. Several methods have been proposed to minimize the incidence and severity of white spot decalcification around brackets. The present study is concerned with the evaluation of the effect of different topical fluoride gels, applied before and after etching on the shear bond strength of directly bonded orthodontic brackets. The sample consisted of (70) human upper first premolars distributed to (7) groups: group A served as a control; groups B1, C1, andDl received, for (4) minutes prior to etching, a topical application of neutral sodium fluoride gel (1.1%), sodium monofluorophosphate gel (1.2%), and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (1.23%) respectively. Groups B2, C2, and D2, on the other hand, were treated, for (4) minutes after etching, with topical application of neutral sodium fluoride gel (1.1%), sodium monofluorophosphate fluoride gel (1.2%), and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (1.23%) respectively. The brackets were loaded under shear to failure using Universal Compression Machine Apparatus. The shear strengths were recorded in Megapascals. The results of the present study showed that the application of fluoride gels for (4) minutes before and after etching did not alter the shear bond strengths of directly bonded orthodontic brackets, when compared with the control group, for all groups except for group D2 in which the topical application of acidulated phosphate fluoride gel for (4) minutes after etching has resulted in a significant reduction in shear bond strength and severity of white spot decalcification around brackets.

In vivo assessment of the corrosion of nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires by using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.

This study was undertaken to assess in vivo the corrosion in two commercial nickel-titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwires removed from the oral cavity of patients using fluoride mouthwashes. Five volunteers took part in this study on the corrosion behavior of two brands of NiTi archwires (3M and AO (brand of archwire)) during use of two mouthwashes with neutral sodium fluoride 1.1%, one with acidulated fluoride 1.1%, and one with placebo and a control group. Each patient used one mouthwash in three different periods of time for 1 min a day for 30 days. The archwires were assessed with scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The values obtained with atomic force microscopy (AFM) were submitted to normality test, two-way analysis of variance, and Tukey's test at a significance level of 5%. The AFM images showed a gradual qualitative increase in the roughness of both types of wire between the treatments: control < placebo < neutral fluoride < acidulated fluoride. The arithmetic average of the roughness and root mean square of the roughness were similar. As for 3M archwires, only the acidulated fluoride group differed statistically from the others. As for AO archwires, the control and placebo groups did not differ from each other, but differed from the other fluoride treatments. The group using neutral fluoride also differed significantly from the acidulated fluoride group. 3M archwires were not affected by daily oral challenges. AO archwires were not affected by daily oral challenges either; their association with fluoride, either neutral or acidulated, increased their roughness.

EDX-analysis of fluoride precipitation on human enamel

One mechanism of action for the anticaries effect of topical fluoridation is through precipitation of CaF2. In this in vitro study energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) is used as a semiquantitative method to detect enamel fluoride-precipitation under the influence of acidic and neutral pH-value and absence or presence of a salivary pellicle. Crowns of 30 human caries-free third molars were quartered into four specimens and the enamel surface ground flat and polished. Two specimens each were stored in human saliva (120 minutes pellicle formation). Teeth were randomly allocated into 6 treatment groups: NaF_a (experimental acidic sodium fluoride; 12500 ppmF−, pH 4.75); NaF_n (experimental neutral sodium fluoride; 12500 ppmF−, pH 7.0); GB_a (acidic gel base; 0 ppmF−, pH 4.75); GB_n (neutral gel base; 0 ppmF−, pH 7.0); AmF-NaF_a (experimental acidic amine/sodium fluoride; 12500 ppmF−, pH 4.75); EG_a (acidic amine/sodium fluoride; Elmex Geleé, CP-GABA GmbH; 12500 ppmF−, pH 4.75). Each gel was applied for 60 seconds to one specimen with and one specimen without pellicle. Two specimens served as controls (no gel, without/with pellicle). Atomic percent (At%) of O, F, Na, Mg, P, Ca was measured by EDX. ∆At% and Ca/P-ratios were calculated. EDX could semi-quantify superficial enamel fluoride-precipitation. Only specimens treated with acidic fluoride gels showed fluoride-precipitation, a salivary pellicle tended to decrease At%F.

The Effect of Neutral Sodium Fluoride, Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, and Nano-Carbonate Apatite on Enamel Surface Roughness and Staining after Home Bleaching

The Effect of Neutral Sodium Fluoride, Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, and Nano-Carbonate Apatite on Enamel Surface Roughness and Staining after Home Bleaching

Enamel microabrasion: achieving aesthetic success to dental fluorosis in a single session – one-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To describe the enamel microabrasion technique used to treat the patient with white stains due dental fluorosis, highlighting the importance of complete anamnesis and clinical examination to achieve the clinical success.CASE DESCRIPTION: patient’s complains, aesthetic self-perception, age, general health, history of excessive intake of fluoride and time of teeth development were considered to the diagnosis and treatment plan. Also, dental trans illumination was used to evaluate the white spots diffusion and estimate the lesion’s length. An abrasive paste mixture of equal parts 37% phosphoric acid and pumice was applied with a wooden spatula in order to perform enamel microabrasion. After the last application, the teeth were polished with finishing discs and a neutral sodium fluoride gel was applied to enamel remineralization. Satisfactory results in the aesthetic improvement were possible with a minimally invasive and cost-effective technique. The dental trans illumination after treatment showed the disappearance of the enamel opacities, preserved on the one-year follow-up.CONCLUSION: Cosmetic dentistry has been increasingly practiced today. However, a correct aesthetic planning should be based on current restorative dentistry concept. For any type of procedure, the dentist should opt for sound tooth structure preservation. This technique might be an efficient alternative to restorative treatments and can be considered a successful procedure. In cases of esthetic alterations due fluorosis, non-invasive methods such enamel microabrasion should be considered before invasive restorative treatments.

The Preventive Effect of Remin Pro and Neutral Sodium Fluoride on Erosion of Dental Enamel: An In Vitro Study

The Preventive Effect of Remin Pro and Neutral Sodium Fluoride on Erosion of Dental Enamel: An In Vitro Study

Evaluation of Interactions of Surface Fluorides on Nickel–chromium and Casted Titanium Alloys: An In Vitro Study

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of topical fluoride on casted Titanium and nickel chromium using Scanning Electron Microscope. This in vitro study comprised of 45 specimens of Titanium and 45 specimens of nickel-chromium of same dimensions. They were divided into three groups of 15 each. GroupI specimens were immersed in 2% neutral sodium fluoride (NaF) solution for 16 minutes. Group II specimens were placed in 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel for eight minutes. Group III specimens were placed in distilled water for 8 minutes. All specimens were evaluated for surface roughness using a scanning electron microscope. Data thus obtained were subjected to statistical analysis including post-hoc test and analysis variance (ANOVA). There was no significant increase in surface roughness of nickel- chromium specimens in group I, II and III (p > 0.05) whereas Titanium specimens in group II showed a substantial increase in surface roughness (p < 0.05). There was surface corrosion of Titanium specimens and slight pitting of nickel-chromium specimens in group II. The studied preparation (1.23%) of acidulated phosphate fluoride has shown to affect the surface roughness of Titanium and nickel-chromium specimens whereas 2% neutral sodium fluoride and distilled water has no noticeable effect, therefore, providing some logical clinical correlations. Clinicians must be well known about the logical usages of topical fluorides in dentistry. Different fluoride concentrations and preparations are capable of producing prosthesis's surface roughness of various degrees. Surface roughness is acting as potent areas of bacterial adhesion, plaque retention, calculus retention and microcrack formation with poor esthetics and therefore it significantly affect long-term prosthesis success. Thus, the operator must be very critically monitoring and managing the harmful effects of acidic fluoridated on prosthesis made up of casted Titanium and nickel-chromium.

Effect of Remin Pro and Neutral Sodium Fluoride on Enamel Microhardness After Exposure to Acidic Drink

Effect of Remin Pro and Neutral Sodium Fluoride on Enamel Microhardness After Exposure to Acidic Drink

Effects of Bleaching Agents, Neutral Fluoride Gels, and Surface Sealants on Enamel Surface Roughness

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the surface roughness of enamel after the application of different bleaching agents and to determine the effect of fluoride and bonding agent application on the roughness of bleached enamel. Materials and methods Forty-two dental slice polished enamel surfaces were randomly assigned to six groups. The surfaces of the slices were treated with 30% carbamide peroxide (CP) (groups I to III), or 38% hydrogen peroxide (HP) (groups IV to VI). Groups I and IV were only bleached. Topical fluoride was applied to the bleached surface of groups II and V. Groups III and VI were covered with a bonding agent. The surface roughness was analyzed with a profilometer. Data were subjected to analysis of one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests (p &gt; 0.05). Results There were no statistically significant differences between the surface roughness of the untreated control specimens and the specimens treated with the bleaching materials, fluoride gel, and dental bonding agent (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion Bleaching treatment with 38% HP and 30% CP does not alter enamel surface roughness. Clinical significance The application of topical neutral sodium fluoride agents and dental bonding agents does not have any influence on enamel surface roughness. How to cite this article Gümüştaş B, Gürbüz Ö, Efes BG. Effects of Bleaching Agents, Neutral Fluoride Gels, and Surface Sealants on Enamel Surface Roughness. J Oper Dent Endod 2017;2(2):74-78.

Wear resistance and compression strength of ceramics tested in fluoride environments

Dental ceramics have been widely used because of aesthetic, but wear is still questioned. There are relates that ceramic surface is prone to degradation by acidulated fluoride, that can increase wear rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of neutral and acidulated fluoride gel, used as preventive agents for professional use, at wear and compression strength of dental ceramics IPS e.max ZirPress (ZIR), IPS Empress Esthetic (EMP) e IPS Inline POM (POM). For this, 30 crowns and 30 disks were obtained by heat-pressing. Crowns and disks were submitted to two-body wear test at machine of mechanical loading, simulating occlusion, lateral movement and disocclusion. It was performed 300,000 cycles at 1Hz frequency under 20N load, to simulate 1 year of mastication. Samples were totally immersed during the test and were divided into three groups according to the gel used for immersion (n=10): control, neutral (sodium fluoride 2%) and acidulated (acidulated phosphate fluoride 1.23%). Samples (crowns and disks) were analyzed for vertical height loss after the test using, respectively, profile projector and stereomicroscope. Roughness of worn surface of crowns and disks was evaluated by laser confocal microscopy. Data of height loss and roughness were evaluated by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's test. A crown/disk of each group was analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy. After wear resistance tests, crowns were cemented to their abutments and submitted to compressive load at 30° angulation and 1mm/min speed. Type of failures was compared by qui-square test. Ceramic EMP worn less while ZIR worn more. Control gel worn more at crowns while acidulated gel worn more at disks. Surface roughness of samples tested at acidulated gel was significantly lower. Type of failures found at compression resistance tests was affected by ceramic type, but not by gel used. The results suggest that ceramic and fluoride gel affect wear and roughness of worn surface while type of failure is only affected by ceramic.

Avaliação da liberação de flúor e da capacidade de recarga em diferentes cimentos de ionômero de vidro

Objetivo Avaliar a liberação e a capacidade de recarga de flúor de diferentes cimentos de ionômero de vidro, durante a simulação de desafio cariogênico. Material e método Foram confeccionados 12 corpos de prova para cada grupo experimental, com cimentos de ionômero de vidro convencionais – Maxxion R (FGM), Ketac Molar EasyMix (3M ESPE); cimento de ionômero de vidro modificado por resina – Vitrebond (3M ESPE), e resina composta, Filtek™ Z350XT (3M ESPE), como controle negativo. Os corpos de prova foram imersos alternadamente em sistema de ciclagem de pH, permanecendo 6 horas na solução de desmineralização e 18 horas na de remineralização, sendo mantidos em estufa a 37°C. Liberação de flúor foi verificada 1, 2, 7 e 14 dias antes e após a recarga com flúor, com eletrodo específico acoplado ao aparelho analisador de pH/fluoretos, calibrado a cada medição com soluções de fluoreto de sódio a 1 e 10 ppm, preparadas com TISAB II. Para leitura, foi adicionado 0,5 mL da amostra a igual volume de TISAB II. Recarga foi realizada com flúor neutro 2% por 4 minutos nas amostras, lavadas e imersas novamente nas soluções do sistema de ciclagem de pH. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey (α=0,05). Resultado A liberação inicial de fluoreto (μgF/cm2) foi de 45,36; 37,49, e 26,35 para Maxxion R, Vitrebond e Ketac Molar EasyMix, respectivamente. Diferenças estatísticas significativas entre os materiais foram verificadas antes e após a recarga (p=0,001). Após a aplicação tópica de flúor, os cimentos de ionômero de vidro apresentaram capacidade de recarga de flúor. Conclusão Cimentos de ionômero de vidro avaliados foram capazes de liberar flúor em soluções de ciclagem de pH e podem recarregar flúor através da aplicação tópica.

The combined use of Er,Cr:YSGG laser and fluoride to prevent root dentin demineralization.

The use of erbium lasers to prevent caries in enamel has shown positive results. However, it is not known if Er,Cr:YSGG laser can also be used to increase acid resistance of root dentine, which is another dental tissue susceptible to the action of cariogenic bacteria.ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser (λ=2.78 μm, 20 Hz) irradiation associated with 2% neutral sodium fluoride (NaF) to prevent root dentin demineralization.Material and MethodsOne hundred human root dentin samples were divided into 10 groups (G) and treated as follows: G1: no treatment; G2: NaF; G3: laser (4.64 J/cm2) with water cooling (WC=5.4 mL/min); G4: laser (4.64 J/cm2) without WC; G5: laser (8.92 J/cm2) with WC; G6: laser (8.92 J/cm2) without WC; G7: laser (4.64 J/cm2) with WC and NaF; G8: laser (4.64 J/cm2) without WC and NaF; G9: laser (8.92 J/cm2) with WC and NaF; G10: laser (8.92 J/cm2) without WC and NaF. The NaF gel was applied alone or after 4 min of irradiation. After 14 days of acid challenge, the samples were sectioned and the Knoop microhardness (KHN) test was done at different depths (30, 60, 90 and 120 μm) from the outer dentin surface. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Fisher's test (α=5%).ResultsThe results showed that G8 and G10 presented higher KHN than the G1 for the depths of 30 and 60 μm, indicating an increase of the acid resistance of the dentin in up to 35% (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe use of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation at 4.64 J/ cm2 and 8.92 J/cm2 without water cooling and associated with 2% NaF can increase the acid resistance of human root dentin.

Effect of fluoride solutions on color and surface roughness of dental composites

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the ac- tion of fluoride solutions on color stability (∆E) and surface roughness (Ra) of composites (Heliomolar, 4 SeasonsTM, Tetric N-CeramTM, SR AdoroTM). Materials and method: A Teflon matrix (12x2 mm) was used to fabricate 24 test specimens for each composite. The samples were separated into 4 groups (n=6), according to the immersion solution: distilled water (control), acidulated phosphate fluoride (1.23%), neutral sodium fluoride gel (2%), and solution of sodium fluoride (0.05%). Color (Spectrophotometer PCB 6807) and roughness (Surf- corder SE 1700) readings were performed before and after immersion into the solutions. Results: Composites presented color alteration within clinically acceptable limits (ΔE 0.2 µm). Conclusions: Color and surface roughness alteration of the different composites was clinically acceptable after immersion in all fluoride solutions and in all periods. Keywords: Composite resins. Color. Surface properties. Acidulated phosphate fluoride.

The Erosivity Potential Of Common Pediatric Over-The-Counter Medications And Its Reduction By Remineralising Agents

Aim: The exposure of children’s teeth to acidic medications poses a risk for dental erosion, yet the erosivity of paediatric medications has scarcely been reported. The present study investigated the erosive potential of paediatric over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and assessed the change of the erosive potential in the presence of remineralising agents. Methods: A range of paediatric OTC medications and commercially available drinks was examined for pH and titratable acidity (TA). Detailed testings of pH and TA were investigated on representative drinks after addition of remineralising agents: Tooth Mousse® (TM), Tooth Mousse Plus® (TMP), ClinproTM, 1.23% neutral sodium fluoride (NaF), and artificial saliva (AS). Results: Paediatric OTC medications exhibited pH values of less than 5.5, which were comparable to commercial fruit juices and carbonated soft drinks. The TA values of OTC medications were similar to commerical fruit juices and carbonated soft drinks and ranged between 0.9 mL to 25.9 mL/ 20 mL of 0.1 M sodium hydroxide. In contrast, most dairy products, baby formulas, and bottled water had near-neutral pH (6.3-7.4) and low TA values of less than 1.3 mL/ 20 mL. The addition of TM, TMP, neutral NaF, and AS to the paediatric OTC medication increased the pH significantly compared to the control (Phosphate-buffered saline, PBS; p<0.001). The addition of TM, TMP, neutral NaF, and AS decreased the TA for paediatric OTC medication compared to the control (PBS; p<0.001-p<0.05), but not consistently. Conclusions: Paediatric OTC medications have erosive potential comparable to commercially available drinks. The erosive parameters (pH and TA) of paediatric OTC medications can be modified by the addition of TM, TMP, neutral NaF and artificial saliva, but not ClinproTM.

Effect of organic versus inorganic fluoride on enamel microhardness: An in vitro study

Introduction:Dental caries is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases affecting the human dentition. Fluorides are effective anti-carious agents and have been widely used for caries prevention in the form of systemic and topical fluorides. Neutral sodium fluoride (NaF) is commonly used as a topical fluoride agent. A special category of topical fluorides are organic fluorides in the form of amine fluorides (AmF). Researchers have reported that AmF is superior to inorganic fluorides in improving the caries resistance of enamel due to the significant anti-enzyme effect of the organic fragment.Aim:The aim of the present study was to compare the enamel surface micro hardness after topical application of NaF and AmF solutions.Materials and Methods:Twenty fresh samples of sound human enamel were treated with demineralizing solution for 72 h and divided into Group A (treated with NaF) and Group B (treated with AmF) solutions for 3 min twice daily for 7 days. In between treatment, the samples were stored in artificial saliva. The enamel surface hardness was measured with Vickers hardness test at baseline, post-demineralization and post-treatment with two different fluoride solutions (NaF and AmF) and a comparative analysis was made.Results:The increase in mean micro hardness of human enamel after treatment with AmF application was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.01) when compared to the mean micro hardness after treatment with NaF.Conclusion:Fluoride enhances the remineralization process by accelerating the growth of enamel crystals that have been demineralized. It can be concluded from the present study that AmF compounds result in a marked increase in enamel micro hardness when compared to NaF.