Nanoencapsulated fluoride as a remineralization option for dental erosion: an in vitro study

Abstract

Objective

To compare the in vitro performance of different dentifrices indicated for dental erosion and a new dentifrice with controlled fluoride release system (NanoF) in terms of surface microhardness remineralization in enamel erosion lesions.

Materials and methods

72 human enamel specimens were divided into 6 groups (n = 12): PC (100% NaF – positive control); NC (Placebo – negative control); 50%nF (50% NanoF + 50% free NaF), 100%nF (100% NanoF); PN (Sensodyne^® ProNamel™) and AG (Colgate^® Sensitive Pro-Relief™). A surface microhardness analysis was performed before (SH₀) and after (SH₁) the erosion lesion formation. The blocks were submitted to a 5-day de-remineralization cycling model, consisting of 90 s immersion on 0.1% citric acid (4x/day) and 1 min treatment with dentifrice slurries along with 1 mL/block of human saliva (2x/day). Lastly, the final surface microhardness analysis (SH₂) was measured and the percentage of surface microhardness remineralization (%SMH_R) was calculated. Data were analysed with 2-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < .05).

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed for SH₂ and %SMH_R between NC and AG with the other groups (p < .05). The best %SMH_R from the experimental groups was found in 100%nF and PN.

Conclusion

Dentifrices with NanoF exhibited a surface microhardness remineralization similar to sodium fluoride (PC). Therefore, NanoF dentifrice can be an alternative to prevent and treat patients with dental erosion.

Keywords:

• Dental erosion;
• dentifrices;
• fluoride;
• tooth remineralization;
• nanotechnology

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the Morphology Department at the University of Paraíba.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the CNPq (Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development) under Grant [139190/2016-3].