The Protective Effect of Selected Fluoride Dentifrices Against Dental Erosion

Method: Cores of enamel were removed from extracted human teeth, cleaned, lightly ground, polished to provide an essentially virgin enamel surface and soaked in pooled human  saliva (pellicle formation). The dentifrice slurries were prepared by mixing examined products with fresh saliva in the ratio of 1 to 3.  Six treatment groups (1-6) were created and dentifrices  compared included: 1) Sensodyne ProEnamel  (1450ppm F as NaF, KNO3); 2) Blend-a-Med ProExpert (1450ppm F as SnF2, NaF and NaHMP); 3) Crest Cavity Protection (1100ppm F as NaF);  4) Sensodyne Rebuild & Repair (1450ppm F as NaMFP and Novamin); 5) Blend-a-Med Anti-cavity (1450ppmF as NaF); 6) Elmex AntiErosion (700 ppmF as NaF, 700 ppmF as AmineF, SnCl and Chitosan). Specimens were subjected to pH cycling conditions in which the specimens were exposed to a 1% citric acid solution (pH 2.4) over the course of 5 days of treatment. Sections were prepared from each specimen and the radiographic images were taken and analyzed using TMR. The depth of the eroded area for each treatment group was measured as microns of enamel lost.

Result: Specimens treated in group 2 demonstrated significantly less damage (p=0.05, ANOVA) as a result of this citric acid challenge, losing, on average, only 6.4um of enamel. In groups 5 and 6 specimens lost an average of 18.0um of enamel; and in groups 1, 3 and 4 more than 20um.

Conclusion:

Results from this study demonstrate that toothpaste containing 1450ppm F as SnF2, NaF and NaHMP provides superior protection against erosion.