Protective effects of an experimental phytocomplexes-based mouthwash: in vitro study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a new phytocomplexes-based mouthwash to protect enamel and exposed dentin after cariogenic acidic and erosive tests. Methods: Ten human caries-free teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons were used. From each tooth, two equal enamel specimens (control and test fragment) were obtained of approximately 0.3gr weight each (n=20). All specimen were brushed with bidistilled water (pH 5.5) for 10min, rinsed for 30sec with bidistilled H₂O (pH 5.5) and later placed in either 10ml of water (n=10/control) or 10ml of experimental phytocomplexes-based mouthrinse (NeferLine srl, Merano, Italy) (n=10/test) for 30sec, respectively. Specimens were rinsed again and stored at 4˚C in bidistilled H₂O at pH 5.5 until treated with lactic acid at pH 4.4 and erosive solution of monohydrate citric acid (0.02M) at pH 2.5. For all specimens, three cariogenic test-cycles were performed (2 of 3.5hrs/each; 1 of 17hrs) for three consecutive days and for the erosive challenge, specimens were exposed to citric acid for 5min each cycle (3-cycle total). Three measurements per specimen were recorded after each cycle. Spectrophotometric analysis was performed to determine the concentration of Ca++ and PO4--- for both cariogenic and erosive test. Student T-test analysis was conducted to detect differences between each group. Results: The Ca++ and the PO4--- released by the group treated with the mouthwash were statistically lower than the control group. SEM showed significant demineralization areas of the enamel surfaces in the control group. Conclusion: The experimental phytocomplexes-based mouthwash demonstrated a protective effect against cariogenic and erosive in vitro tests on the enamel and dentin surfaces when compared to the control group. Further tests are recommended.