Effect of an experimental 4% titanium tetrafluoride varnish on dental erosion by a soft drink

Abstract 

Objectives

This in vitro study assessed the effect of an experimental 4%TiF₄ varnish on enamel erosion.

Methods

Sixty bovine enamel blocks were randomly allocated to each type of varnish: Duraphat^®-D (NaF, 2.26%F), Duofluorid^®-F (NaF, 2.71% F), TiF₄-T (2.45%F) and no-fluoride-P. After application of the varnishes, the blocks were subjected to six sequential pH cycles (cola drink for 10min and artificial saliva for 50min, each) per day, during 4 days. After the pH cycles, the blocks were maintained in artificial saliva for 18h. Enamel alterations were determined in the 2nd and 4th days, using profilometry (wear) and microhardness (%SMHC) tests. Data were tested using ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p<0.05).

Results

The mean %SMHC (±S.D.) at the 2nd and 4th day was, respectively, D (−77.26±5.04^a and −88.59±5.11^A), F (−76.79±7.82^a and −88.78±6.10^A), T (−88.28±3.19^b and −92.04±2.54^A,B) and P (−87.96±2.23^b and −94.15±1.14^B). The mean wear (μm±S.D.) at the 2nd and 4th day was, respectively, D (3.16±0.32^a and 7.56±0.90^A), F (3.35±0.78^a,b and 7.92±0.98^A), T (3.81±0.43^b and 7.69±0.76^A) and P (3.43±1.13^a,b and 7.31±0.53^A).

Conclusions

The NaF varnishes reduced the softening, but had no effect on the reduction of the wear. The TiF₄ varnish was not able to reduce the softening and wear.

Keywords: Dental erosion, Enamel, Fluoride, Titanium, In vitro