Erosion Protection of a Novel Anti-Erosion Mouthrinse and Dentifrice Regimen

Objective:

To evaluate the ability of a novel anti-erosion mouthrinse (450ppm NaF) and currently marketed anti-erosion dentifrice (1150ppm NaF) regimen to: remineralize enamel that was previously demineralized by a dietary erosive challenge and render enamel more resistant to a second extra-oral dietary erosive challenge. A currently marketed reference dentifrice (1100pm NaF) and placebo dentifrice (0ppm F) were used as controls.

Methods:

55 subjects completed this 4-arm, single application, in situ, randomized, single-centre, blinded, crossover design study. Subjects completed a 2-day washout period between arms where they brushed with fluoride free dentifrice. All study products were dosed by the same trained study technician and usage was supervised. Subjects wore palatal appliances holding eight on 5x5mm bovine enamel blocks previously exposed for 25 min to an in vitro erosive challenge with grapefruit juice. Surface microhardness recovery (SMHr) was calculated from pre- and post-challenge assessments and following 4 hours in situ remineralisation. A final measurement following a second extra-oral challenge was undertaken to determine % Relative Erosion Resistance Change. (fERC).

Results:

The regimen treatment provided significantly greater % fERC (p<0.0001) than the all other groups and significantly greater % SMHr (p<0.0001) than the reference and placebo control dentifrices. All products were well tolerated in this single use in situ experiment.

Conclusion:

Eroded enamel was significantly remineralized following treatment with the novel anti-erosion mouthrinse + anti-erosion dentifrice regimen. In addition significantly greater resistance to further demineralization was observed for the regimen compared to dentifrice alone. A combination approach to the management of erosive tooth wear appears promising and should be investigated further.