Objectives This in vitro study investigated the remineralization potential of 1450 ppm, fluoride-containing toothpastes containing different active remineralization agents after cariogenic challenge with pH cycling. The enamel surface roughness after brushing and the chemical and physical characteristics of the toothpastes tested were also analyzed. Materials and Methods Fifty-six bovine enamel blocks were obtained (4 × 4 × 6 mm) and divided into three thirds: intact (untreated), demineralized (artificial caries lesion), and treated (caries lesion, pH cycling, and brushing with dentifrices). Seven commercially available fluoride toothpastes (1450 ppm F): three with anti-erosion claims ( Candida Professional [CPP], Colgate Total 12 Daily Repair [CDR], Regenerate Enamel Science [RES]); three with desensitizing claims (Bianco Pro Clinical [BPP], Elmex Sensitive [ESS], and Regenerador Diário DentalClean [RDC]); and one standard regular-fluoride toothpaste Colgate Total 12 (CTT) were selected. During pH cycling (demineralization 6 h/remineralization 18 h) for 7 days, the treated third was brushed with the different dentifrices for 10 minutes in a brushing machine before immersion in a remineralizing solution. The Knoop hardness (25 g, 10 second of the surface, and longitudinal section were then evaluated at eight depths (10 to 330 μm). Mean and percentage of surface hardness recovery (% SHR) were calculated. Surface enamel roughness (Ra) was also evaluated. The pH, %weight of particles, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of toothpaste slurries were also evaluated. Statistical Analysis Data were statistically analyzed (ANOVA/Tukey, 5%). Results The %SHR of CPP was significantly lower than the others (p < 0.05). The enamel subsurface was more effectively remineralized when treated with BPP, ESS, and RDC. The surface roughness was higher when the demineralized third was treated with CTT, RDC, and RES and after the cariogenic challenge (p < 0.05). For some of the products tested, there was no relationship between surface remineralization and subsurface remineralization. Although toothpastes CPP and RDC present the lowest %SHR Abstract Keywords ► enamel ► hardness ► roughness ► toothpaste ► tooth remineralization

Objectives This in vitro study aimed to characterize the mineral content and surface and cross-sectional morphology of enamel and dentin tissues treated with a 1450 ppm fluoride-containing toothpaste with REFIX technology. Materials and Methods Bovine enamel blocks (n = 5) were obtained (4 × 4 × 6 mm), demineralized (artificial caries lesion), and treated (pH cycling and brushing with the toothpaste). During the pH cycling, which lasted for 7 days (demineralization and remineralization took 6 and 18 hours, respectively), the enamel was brushed for 5 minutes using an electric toothbrush before being immersed in a remineralizing solution. The dentin blocks were acid-etched for 2 minutes (0.05 M citric acid, pH 1.8) to expose the dentinal tubules (n = 5). Morphological analysis of the dentin was performed immediately and after 7 days of brushing with the dentifrice, and compared with the control group. The specimens were then cross-sectioned. The surface and cross-sectional micromorphology were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elemental analyses (weight%) were determined with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results The toothpaste with REFIX technology remineralized and repaired the surface enamel effectively. The elemental analysis also demonstrated that treating the enamel with the toothpaste formed a silicon-enriched mineral layer on the enamel surface. Elemental analysis of the enamel cross-sections showed that the toothpaste induced a mineral change. The results were also consistent in the dentin, where the dentinal tubules were progressively occluded until there was complete occlusion after 7 days. Conclusions We prove the biomimetic mechanism of action of fluoridated toothpaste containing proprietary REFIX technology for obtaining silicon-enriched, remineralized and repaired dental tissues.

This study evaluated the influence of an aqueous propolis-based solution (PROP) on gap formation and bond strength of posts bonded to root canal dentin using resin cements. Endodontically-treated bovine incisors received different irrigation protocols: 1) 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)/17% EDTA/NaOCl; 2) saline solution (NaCl)/EDTA/0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX); 3) NaOCl/PROP/ NaOCl; 4) NaCl/PROP/CHX; 5) NaCl/PROP/NaCl. Posts were then bonded with cements: RelyX ARC; Panavia F2.0; or RelyX U200 (n=10). The specimens were cross-sectioned. Gaps were assessed and performed the push-out bond strength test. Surface roughness of dentin fragments was also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed (5%). RelyX U200 exhibited greater gap-free interfaces. Bond strength varied as a function of cements and irrigation protocols. PROP irrigation had no negative effect on the bond strength (p>0.05). Roughness increased significantly after NaOCl/EDTA/NaOCl, but remained unaltered after PROP irrigation protocols. Propolis-based irrigation protocols do not interfere in the bonding performance of posts cemented to root canal dentin.

A contínua busca por conhecimento faz parte da sociedade contemporânea, profissionais e estudantes buscam uma melhor qualidade de vida baseada em sua qualificação profissional e melhores salários. Por outro lado, para se alcançar melhor qualificação, de acordo com a realidade individual, se exige disponibilidade de tempo, investimento financeiro e motivação para ingressar em uma instituição de Ensino Superior. Este artigo objetiva fornecer uma visão geral da diversidade de ferramentas disponíveis para o aprendizado e identificar as diretrizes para pesquisas futuras relacionadas aos métodos de ensino e aprendizagem em profissões da área de saúde, com ênfase em Odontologia. Após uma introdução e definições dos diferentes métodos de aprendizagem, este artigo considera a importância de identificar os desafios das diferentes formas de aprendizado na área da saúde, quer seja híbrido (blended learning) ou totalmente on-line, bem como as diferentes formas de avaliação destes métodos de ensino. É fato que a maior crítica ao ensino a distância recai sobre a falta de contato pessoal com os pacientes e a necessidade de se estabelecer vínculo. Conclui-se que os métodos de ensino a distância, em que pesem as limitações que se impõem, é promissor nos cursos da área de saúde, o que certamente inclui a Odontologia.Palavras-chave: Ensino a Distância. Ensino Semipresencial. OdontologiaAbstractThe continuous search for knowledge is part of contemporary society, and professionals and students seek for a better quality of life based on their professional qualification and better incomes. On the other hand, to obtain a better qualification according to the individual reality of each subject  requires the availability of time, financial investment, and motivation to enter a higher education institution. This article aims to provide an overview of the diversity of available learning tools and to identify the guidelines for future research related to teaching and learning methods in health professions, with emphasis in Dentistry. After an introduction and definitions of the different learning methods, this article considers the importance of identifying the challenges of the different learning forms in the area of health, whether it is hybrid (blended learning) or online, as well as the different forms of evaluation of these teaching methods. It is a fact that the greatest criticism of distance education lies in the lack of personal contact with patients and the need to establish a link. As a conclusion, in spite of the limitations imposed, methods of distance education are promising in the health care courses, which certainly may include Dentistry.Keywords: E-Learning. Blended Learning. Dentistry