IADR Abstract Archives
In vitro Microstructural Analysis of Erosion Protection by a Hydroxyapatite-Gel
Objectives: Dental erosion is a global problem which affects millions of individuals. It is mainly caused by acids which locally demineralize the tooth surface. These acids originate from different food sources such as fruits and soft drinks. Particulate hydroxyapatite (HAP), Ca5(PO4)3(OH), is used as a biomimetic oral care agent due to its similarity to human enamel crystallites. Numerous studies have shown that HAP is able to attach to the tooth surface forming stable layers. This in-vitro study analyzed the potential of a newly developed HAP-based oral care gel in the protection of teeth from erosive attacks.
Methods: The HAP-gel (Karex gelée, Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany) was applied to standardized bovine enamel and dentin samples while untreated samples were used as controls. Cyclic demineralization-remineralization steps using phosphoric acid were applied at time intervals mimicking the recommended application of such gels. The erosion protection potential of the HAP-gel was qualitatively assessed by thoroughly analyzing the structural changes experienced by the tooth surfaces using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy.
Results: The HAP-gel forms a microscopic, yet dense layer on both enamel and dentin surfaces after application. Upon acid exposure, this layer is attacked and sacrificed before the native tooth tissue is affected. After the cyclic demineralization-remineralization, the surfaces treated with the HAP-gel therefore showed a significantly lower degree of demineralization compared to the controls. In addition, dentin tubules were occluded by HAP particles.
Conclusions: This in-vitro study demonstrates that regular application of HAP-gel helps to protect enamel and dentin surfaces from erosive attacks during meals using a convenient and effective principle of action.
Methods: The HAP-gel (Karex gelée, Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany) was applied to standardized bovine enamel and dentin samples while untreated samples were used as controls. Cyclic demineralization-remineralization steps using phosphoric acid were applied at time intervals mimicking the recommended application of such gels. The erosion protection potential of the HAP-gel was qualitatively assessed by thoroughly analyzing the structural changes experienced by the tooth surfaces using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy.
Results: The HAP-gel forms a microscopic, yet dense layer on both enamel and dentin surfaces after application. Upon acid exposure, this layer is attacked and sacrificed before the native tooth tissue is affected. After the cyclic demineralization-remineralization, the surfaces treated with the HAP-gel therefore showed a significantly lower degree of demineralization compared to the controls. In addition, dentin tubules were occluded by HAP particles.
Conclusions: This in-vitro study demonstrates that regular application of HAP-gel helps to protect enamel and dentin surfaces from erosive attacks during meals using a convenient and effective principle of action.
