Impact of two toothpastes on repairing enamel erosion produced by a soft drink: an AFM in vitro study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the present in vitro study was the evaluation of two toothpastes (Sensodyne Pronamel and Biorepair Plus on repairing enamel erosion produced by a soft drink (Coca Cola), using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).

Methods: Fifty extracted human central incisors free of caries were selected and divided in a treatment and a control half; they were kept in artificial saliva during whole experimentation. The treatment halves were divided into five groups; group 1: demineralization with soft drink; group 2: demineralization with soft drink + Pronamel; group 3: demineralization with soft drink + Biorepair Plus; group 4: intact enamel + Pronamel; group 5: intact enamel + Biorepair Plus. Specimen demineralization was carried on in 4 intervals of 2 min. In groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 the toothpastes were applied for 3 min at 0, 8, 24 and 36 h. The surface of each specimen was imaged by AFM and R(rms), root-mean-square roughness, and Maximum Depth of the cavities were registered.

Results: Amongst treatment specimens of groups 1, 2, and 3 a statistically significant difference (P<0.01) in R(rms) and Maximum Depth values was registered: the toothpastes reduced enamel demineralization. No statistical differences in R(rms) values were registered between the two toothpastes.

Conclusions: The toothpastes tested (Pronamel and BioRepair Plus) offer a degree of protection from erosive drinks.