Effect of Polyphenols on the Ultrastructure of the Dentin Pellicle and Subsequent Erosion

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Erosive tooth wear is a highly prevalent dental condition that is modified by the ever-present salivary pellicle. The aim of the present in situ study was to investigate the effect of polyphenols on the ultrastructure of the pellicle formed on dentin in situ and a subsequent erosive challenge. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The pellicle was formed on bovine dentin specimens for 3 min or 2 h in 3 subjects. After subjects rinsed with sterile water (negative control), 1% tannic acid, 1% hop extract, or tin/fluoride solution containing 800 ppm tin and 500 ppm fluoride (positive control), specimens were removed from the oral cavity. The erosive challenge was performed on half of the specimens with 1% citric acid, and all specimens were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Incorporation of tannic acid in the pellicle was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Compared to the negative control, ultrastructural analyses reveal a thicker and electron-denser pellicle after application of polyphenols, in which, according to spectroscopy, tannic acid is also incorporated. Application of citric acid resulted in demineralization of dentin, but to a lesser degree when the pellicle was pretreated with a tin/fluoride solution. The pellicle was more acid-resistant than the negative control when modified with polyphenols or tin/fluoride solution. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Polyphenols can have a substantial impact on the ultrastructure and acid resistance of the dentin pellicle, while the tin/fluoride solution showed explicit protection against erosive demineralization.