Experimental toothpastes containing β-TCP nanoparticles functionalized with fluoride and tin to prevent Erosive Tooth Wear

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to synthesize toothpastes containing Beta- TriCalcium Phosphate (β-TCP) nanoparticles, functionalized with fluoride and tin, and test their ability to reduce erosive tooth wear (ETW).

Methods: Toothpastes were synthesized with the following active ingredients: 1100 ppm of fluoride (as sodium fluoride, F^-), 3500 ppm of tin (as stannous chloride, Sn²⁺), and 800 ppm of β-TCP (Sizes a - 20 nm; and b - 100 nm). Enamel specimens were randomly assigned into the following groups (n = 10): 1. Commercial toothpaste; 2. Placebo; 3 F^-; 4. F^- + β-TCP_a; 5. F^- + β-TCP_b; 6. F^- + Sn²⁺; 7. F^- + Sn²⁺ + β-TCP_a and 8. F^- + Sn²⁺ + β-TCP_b. Specimens were subjected to erosion-abrasion cycling. Surface loss (in µm) was measured by optical profilometry. Toothpastes pH and available F^- were also assessed.

Results: Brushing with placebo toothpaste resulted in higher surface loss than brushing with F^- (p = 0.005) and F^- + β-TCP_b (p = 0.007); however, there was no difference between F^- and F^- + β-TCP_b (p = 1.00). Commercial toothpaste showed no difference from Placebo (p = 0.279). The groups F^-, F^- + β-TCP_a, F^- + β-TCP_b, F^- + Sn²⁺, F^- + Sn²⁺ + β-TCP_a and F^- + Sn²⁺ + β-TCP_b were not different from the commercial toothpaste (p > 0.05). Overall, the addition of β-TCP reduced the amount of available fluoride in the experimental toothpastes. The pH of toothpastes ranged from 4.97 to 6.49.

Conclusions: Although toothpaste containing β-TCP nanoparticles protected enamel against dental erosion-abrasion, this effect was not superior to the standard fluoride toothpaste (commercial). In addition, the functionalization of β-TCP nanoparticles with fluoride and tin did not enhance their protective effect.

Clinical significance: Although β-TCP nanoparticles have some potential to control Erosive Tooth Wear, their incorporation into an experimental toothpaste appears to have a protective effect that is similar to a commercial fluoride toothpaste.

Keywords: Fluoride; Nanoparticles; Stannous ions; Surface loss; Tooth erosion; Toothpaste.