Effects of Various Beverages and Tooth Brushing on Microhardness of Restorative Materials Used in Pediatric Dentistry

Abstract

Purpose. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of beverages and tooth brushing on the microhardness of different restorative materials. Materials-methods. Disk-shaped samples of compomer (Dyract XP), glass ionomer cement (GIC) (Ionofil Molar AC), and composite resin (Filtek Z250) were prepared. The samples were randomly allocated to four groups and conditioned in various beverages (cheery juice, cola, chocolate milk, and distilled water) for 3 hours per day over 60 days. Each group was further subdivided to a brushing and a non-brushing subgroup. In the brushing group, samples were brushed once daily with toothpaste and an electric toothbrush. The surface hardness of the samples was measured at baseline and after 60 days. Results. The microhardness of composite resin group increased in all solutions (p<0.05). The compomer group exhibited a decrease in microhardness after immersion in cola and cherry juice (p<0.05). The surface hardness of the GIC was measured to be lower in all solutions (p<0.05). Brushing had no effect on the microhardness in any of the groups (p>0.05) Conclusion. Filtek Z250 composite exhibited better surface hardness values than compomer and GIC. Cola and cherry juice decreased the microhardness of compomer and GIC.