Anti-Erosion Potential of Oral Hygiene Products with Different Active Ingredients

Method: Toothpastes BioRepair Plus, Enamel Care, SensiShield based on zinc or calcium phosphates and fluoride-containing Sensodyne ProNamel were applied on the polished enamel with artificial defects for two minutes daily, using a toothbrush. Elmex Erosion Protection mouth rinse containing stannous chloride and amine fluoride was applied for 30 seconds. Control groups and specimens during the treatment cycles were stored in an artificial saliva. After 30 applications the specimens were exposed to 0.2 wt. % of citric acid (pH=3.3) for 6 minutes. Morphology of the enamel surface was investigated during the treatment and after the acid challenge using optical and scanning electron microscope.

Result: While no changes in surface morphology was found with SensiShield toothpaste, gradual formation of a mineral layer on enamel surface and filling up of artificial defects were observed with the remaining products. The highest resistance of these layers to citric acid was found with Enamel Care and Elmex Erosion Protection.

Conclusion: There were significant differences among the anti-erosion potential of the products. The most effective in our testing protocol was Enamel Care based on calcium phosphate formed in-situ and the mouth rinse containing a mixture of stannous chloride and fluoride ions.

Supported by Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, grant no. P28/LF1/6.