The effect of Chlorine-Dioxide on Enamel in-vitro measured by QLF

Methods: 60 bovine teeth devoid of stains were selected, the roots removed and enamel pumiced. Windows were created on each tooth using clear acid resistant varnish. The teeth were randomly assigned into chlorine dioxide, 35% hydrogen peroxide and deionised-water treatments groups respectively (20 teeth/group). Baseline QLF images were taken. The teeth were subjected to seven cycles (2minutes/cycle) of the various treatments according to manufacturer instructions with an additional eighth cycle of 30minutes duration. QLF images were taken at the end of each cycle. The images were analysed for demineralisation. The ΔF (% fluorescence loss) value obtained was the measure used to indicate mineral loss. ANOVA and Post - Hoc statistical analysis were carried out on the data.

Results: Loss of fluorescence (ΔF) was detected in the chlorine dioxide and hydrogen dioxide groups respectively. There was a statistical significant effect between groups at the end of both the seventh and eighth cycles (ANOVA p=.000). Mineral loss was significantly greater in the hydrogen peroxide group when compared with the chlorine dioxide and deionised-water groups(p=.000, 0.001). Mineral loss in the chlorine dioxide group was not significant when compared with the deionised water group(p=0.518, 0.246) at the seventh and eighth cycles.

Conclusion: The application of both chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide caused a loss of fluorescence in enamel. The demineralisation effect of chlorine dioxide was not significant. It may potentially be an alternative to hydrogen peroxide. Further research is still needed to investigate chlorine dioxide.