Abrasion and Stain-removal Efficiency of a Novel Brush-on Remineralizing Agent

Method: 

The three materials examined in this study were MOS, MI Paste Plus (MIP, GC) and Clinpro Tooth Crème (CTC, 3M ESPE).  Specimens (n=4) for abrasion were made by creating enamel and root dentin blocks from bovine maxillary incisors.  Blocks were embedded in resin and polished with SIC paper. Test samples were placed in 40% slurry and brushed using 10,000 strokes with 150g load (K834; Tokyo-Giken, Japan). Abrasion was measured using spline-micrometer (SPM2-25MJ; Mitutoyo, Japan).  Specimens (n=4) for stain removal were made by polishing enamel then lightly etching and followed with stain.  To stain, samples were immersed in staining broth(0.34% instant coffee, 0.34% instant tea, and 25% gastric mucin) dissolved in sterilized trypticase soy broth (Becton, Belgium) for 4 days at 37°C. Lab value was measured by spectrophotometry (CM-3610d; MINOLTA, Japan) then stained surface was brushed using 800 strokes at 150g. After brushing Lab values were measured again.  DE value was calculated as an index of stain removal. DE= [√ (DL²+Da²+Db²)]. Data were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Turkey test (p=0.05).

Result: 

Mean values (standard deviation) of amount of abrasion and DE are shown below. Abrasion level of MOS and MIP were significantly lower than CTC. DE between MOS and CTC were not statistically different.

Conclusion: MOS removed stain at similar level as CTC with less tooth abrasion.  MOS may be considered as a viable clinical material for brushing of demineralized teeth.