Silicon-enriched hydroxyapatite formed induced by REFIX-based toothpaste on the enamel surface
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4322/bds.2021.e3114Abstract
Objective: This in vitro study aimed at characterizing the mineral content and filler particle morphology of a fluoridated
toothpaste containing REFIX technology and the mineral content and the morphology of the enamel surface treated
with this product. Material and Methods: Bovine enamel blocks (n=5) were obtained (4×4×6 mm), demineralized
(artificial caries lesion), and treated (pH cycling and brushing with the toothpaste). During the pH cycling, which lasted
for 7 days (demineralization and remineralization took 6 h and 18 h, respectively), the enamel was brushed for 5 min
using an electric toothbrush before being immersed in a remineralization solution. We evaluated the micromorphology
and elemental levels (wt%) of ions present in the toothpaste and on the layer formed over the enamel following the
treatment. The surface morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The elemental analyses
were performed using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Results: Scanning electron micrographs of the
toothpaste demonstrated a uniform size distribution of regular-shaped fillers sparsely organized in nanoclusters. Elemental analysis of the toothpaste’s formulation demonstrated the presence of Si (silicon), Na (sodium), P (phosphorus), and F (fluorine), among others. We also detected a mineral layer that had formed on the treated enamel surface; the layer had a consistent uniform thickness of ~14 µm. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be stated that REFIX technology modifies the surface and subsurface of the enamel structure, forming a Si-rich mineral layer.
KEYWORDS
Dental enamel; Dentifrice; Scanning electron microscopy; Tooth remineralization.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
COPYRIGHT TRANSFER AND RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
(PDF)
For all articles published in the BDS journal, copyright is retained by the authors. Articles are licensed under an open-access Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, meaning that anyone may download and read the paper for free. In addition, the article may be reused and quoted, provided that the original published version is cited. These conditions allow for maximum use and exposure of the work while ensuring that the authors receive proper credit. All metadata associated with published articles is released under the Creative Commons CC0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.
Before the submission, authors must obtain permission to reproduce any published material (figures, schemes, tables, or any extract of a text) that does not fall into the public domain or for which they do not hold the copyright. Permission should be requested by the authors from the copyright holder (usually the Publisher, please refer to the imprint of the individual publications to identify the copyright holder).
The authors hereby attest that the study is original and does not present manipulated data, fraud, or plagiarism. All names listed made a significant scientific contribution to the study, are aware of the presented data, and agree with the final version of the manuscript. They assume complete responsibility for the ethical aspects of the study.
This text must be printed and signed by all authors. The scanned version should be submitted as supplemental file during the submission process.
