Antierosive Potential of Experimental Toothpastes Containing Surface pre-Reacted Glass-Ionomer Fillers

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether experimental toothpastes containing different concentrations of surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer fillers (S-PRG) protect enamel against erosive tooth wear.
Methods: Bovine enamel specimens were prepared, polished, and allocated into groups according to the concentration of S-PRG in the toothpaste (n=10 each group): 0%; 1%; 5%; 10%; 20%; and 30%. Ultrapure water was the negative control (NC) and sodium fluoride-based toothpaste was the positive control (NaF 1450 ppm F-). Erosive and abrasive challenges were simulated during 5 d. Specimens were immersed in 0.3% citric acid (5 min - 4x/day) followed by exposure to human saliva. Treatments with the toothpaste slurries were performed 2x/day (2 min each). Specimens were subjected to abrasion in a brushing machine (15 s - 200 g) during immersion in the treatment suspensions. After the 5th day of cycling, enamel surface loss was evaluated by stylus profilometry (in micrometers). Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05).
Results: There were significant differences among the groups (p=0.001). Surface loss mean values ± standard deviation, and results of Tukey's test were: NC (11.24±1.22)a; 0%S-PRG (10.96±0.97)a; 1%S-PRG (10.26±1.01)a; 5%S-PRG (8.66±0.46)b; 10%S-PRG (6.62 ±0.64)c; NaF (6.43±0.83)c; 20%S-PRG (4.65±0.92)d; and 30%S-PRG (4.05±0.74)d.
Conclusions: It was concluded that toothpastes with concentrations of S-PRG equal to or greater than 5% exhibited protective potential against enamel erosive wear. Concentrations of 20% and 30% S-PRG were more effective than the fluoridated toothpaste.