Effect of fluoride and abrasives on artificial enamel caries lesions

Abstract

Hypothesis: The interaction between the abrasive level and fluoride concentration of dentifrice slurries modulates the surface loss (SL) and remineralization of incipient enamel caries (IEC). Methods: Three types of IEC were created and six experimental slurries with different combinations of fluoride content and abrasive level were tested. In experiment 1, the three IEC were subjected to brushing (with experimental slurries) and remineralization cycles for 5 days. Fluoride concentrations (0 and 275 ppm as NaF) and abrasive levels (Low and High) were tested. SL was determined by optical profilometry at baseline and after 1, 3, and 5 days. In experiment 2, changes in IEC mineral content (Δ(ΔZ)C) and depth (ΔLC) were investigated at baseline and after the 5-day cycling with transverse microradiography. In experiments 3 and 4, SL of MeC and CMC lesions were further studied, respectively; testing not only fluoride concentration (275 and 1250 ppm as NaF) and abrasivity (low and high) of the slurry, but also the brushing frequency (1x, 2x, and 3x/day). Brushing-remineralization cycles were performed for 7 days. Statistical analyses were performed at 5% significance level. Results: Experiment 1: overall, brushing with the high-abrasive slurry caused more SL than with the low-abrasive. For CMC and MeC lesions, 0 ppm F had more SL than 275 ppm F only after day 3. Fluoride had no effect on the SL of HEC lesions. Experiment 2: fluoride and abrasives did not have a significant effect on IEC. HEC had significantly lower Δ(ΔZ)C than CMC and MeC, with CMC and MeC not differing from each other. Lesion type had no effect on ΔLC. Experiment 3: brushing CMC lesions 3x/day with 1250 ppm F increased SL compared to 1x/day, after 5 and 7 days. Study 4: brushing MeC lesions with high abrasive slurry containing 1250 ppm F increased SL after 5 and 7 days. Conclusions: The IEC tested showed different SL and remineralization behaviors. The fluoride content and abrasive level of the toothpaste showed to be relevant modulating the SL of enamel caries lesions as well as their remineralization behavior.