In situ Evaluation of Different Remineralization Periods to Decrease Brushing Abrasion of Demineralized Enamel

Abstract

The aim of the present in situ study was to evaluate the effect of different periods of intraoral remineralization to decrease the susceptibility of previously demineralized enamel against toothbrushing abrasion. Six human enamel specimens (A–F) were recessed in the buccal aspects of each of eight intraoral appliances which were worn for 21 days by 8 panelists. Demineralization of the samples was performed twice a day extraorally in the acidic beverage Sprite Light for 90 s. Subsequently, the enamel specimens were brushed at different times. Specimen A was brushed immediately after the demineralization. The remaining samples B–E were brushed after the intraoral appliances had been worn for various periods of remineralization: specimen B, 10 min; C, 20 min; D, 30 min and E, 60 min, respectively. Specimen F was only demineralized and remineralized, but not brushed. After 21 days, enamel wear was measured with a laser profilometer. The following values (mean ± standard deviation) were obtained: specimen A, 6.78±2.71 µm; B, 5.47±3.39 µm; C, 6.06±3.18 µm; D, 5.43±2.58 µm; E 4.78±2.57 µm, and F 0.66±1.11 µm. Analysis of variance revealed a significant influence of remineralization period on abrasive wear. However, even after a remineralization period of 60 min the wear was significantly increased as compared to the demineralized, but not brushed control. It is concluded that (1) abrasion resistance of softened enamel increases with remineralization period and (2) at least 60 min should elapse before toothbrushing after an erosive attack.

Influence of study design on the impact of bleaching agents on dental enamel microhardness: A review

“…It is supposed that these hardness reductions will resolve in the oral cavity due to the remineralizing impact of saliva. [31,32]. The same behaviour is expected to happen with bleached enamel, as observed in the studies, which re-evaluated the microhardness after a post-treatment phase, in which the samples were kept under remineralizing conditions.…”

Effect of Delaying Toothbrushing During Bleaching on Enamel Surface Roughness: An In Vitro Study

“…17,18,[29][30][31] The discrepancies in the results of various studies might be attributed to differences in the formulation and concentration of bleaching agents; the duration of daily applications or treatment protocols; differences in study designs, including the environments in which the specimens are stored (eg, artificial or human saliva); the use of remineralizing agents; continuous use of fluoridated toothpastes; and the technique of toothbrushing during the procedure and after bleaching. 2,14,30,32,33 In the present study, tooth structures underwent surface changes after bleaching, and toothbrushing immediately after bleaching had a substantial role in increasing enamel surface roughness. In other words, under such conditions, bleaching might have a synergistic effect with toothbrushing, contributing to increases in enamel surface roughness.…”

Roughness and pH changes of enamel surface induced by soft drinks in vitro-applications of stylus profilometry, focus variation 3D scanning microscopy and micro pH sensor

“…Most of the marketed soft drinks, including pure fruit juices, have a high acidity (pH<4.0: 75%, pH<5.5: 79% in Japan [unpublished data]) and may soften and dissolve enamel and dentin. The softened dental structures are more susceptible to wear and abrasion by such challenges as tooth brushing, hence further accelerating surface tooth loss 13,22,23) . The most common clinical assessments for tooth wear have used a visual tooth wear index 10,24) , which might depend on the operator's objective experiences 25) .…”