Antierosive Effect of Polymer-based Solutions Associated to Fluorides

Objectives: Recently, the ability of bioadhesive polymers to reduce tooth erosion has been evaluated. The antierosive potential of polymers is due to their compatibility with dental structures and the ability to form a protective film on enamel surface. This study investigated the anti-erosive potential of four polymers: polyoxirane, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, pectin, and polymethacrylate in solutions simulating mouthrinses. The effect of their association with sodium fluoride (225 ppm F^- -F) and with sodium fluoride plus stannous chloride (800 ppm Sn²⁺ -FSn) was also investigated.
Methods: Hydroxyapatite crystals were pre-treated with solutions containing the polymers in two concentrations (0.5% and 2%) associated or not to F and FSn. Deionized water was the control. The pH-stabilization method was used to evaluate the dissolution of hydroxyapatite. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests (5%).
Results: There were significant differences for both experimental solutions and fluoride association (p=0.0001). The association of polymers with F and FSn significantly reduced the amount of hydroxyapatite dissolution compared to the polymers-only solutions and control. Pectin and polymethacrylate in both concentrations were able to potentiate the anti-erosive effect of F and did not affect the protective potential of FSn.
Conclusions: The addition of pectin and polymethacrylate polymers can improve the sodium fluoride solution protection against tooth erosion.