Method: Pellets of S. mutansIB1600 were treated with PIPES buffer, pH 7.0, containing 0, 1 or 10 mM Ca. These test biofilms were mounted in contact with bovine enamel blocks in palatal appliances used by 15 volunteers. After 30 min in the mouth, a cariogenic challenge was performed by rinsing with 20% sucrose solution. After 45 min, enamel demineralization in enamel blocks was assessed by loss in surface hardness.
Result: A significant reduction in enamel hardness was observed in all groups (% surface hardness loss of 30.3±13.3, 29.6±13.9 and 19.9±10.1, for groups treated with 0, 1 or 10 mM Ca, respectively), but demineralization caused by the biofilm pre-treated with 10 mM Ca was significantly lower (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed between groups 0 and 1 mM Ca (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The results suggest that treating dental biofilm with calcium reduces its cariogenic potential.
Supported by CNPq (569487/2008-0) and FAPESP (2011/23677-0).