Formation of protective deposits by anti-erosive toothpastes-a microscopic study on Enamel with Artificial defects
Abstract
This study investigated formation of protective deposits on the enamel surface after application of several anti-erosive toothpastes: NaF-containing Sensodyne Pronamel, SnCl2 /F-based Elmex Erosion Protection and calcium phosphate-based BioRepair Plus Sensitivity Control, SensiShield and Enamel Care toothpastes with claimed anti-erosive properties. Artificial saliva and Elmex Erosion Protection mouth rinse served as control groups.
The toothpastes were applied 30 times by a toothbrush for 2 min per day, mouth rinse for 30 s on polished enamel of thirty five human molars (n = 5) with series of five rhomboid-shaped indents of various length prepared by a Knoop indentor. At the end of treatment, the samples were exposed to 0.2 wt. % citric acid (pH 3.30).
Pronounced differences were observed between protective properties of the toothpastes. While Sensodyne Pronamel and BioRepair Plus Sensitivity Control did not produce any protective deposits, Enamel Care formed a compact layer of deposits which protected the enamel surface against erosion.
With Elmex Erosion Protection and SensiShield fractured indent edges on the treated enamel suggested that their abrasive properties prevailed over ability of active ingredients to form deposits. These results revealed that toothpastes with strong potential to form acid-resistant deposits on the enamel surface and of low abrasivity should be used for effective prevention of enamel erosion.