Assessment of the Erosive Potential of Mineral Waters in Bovine Dental Enamel

Abstract

Background: High intake of acidic foods and beverages has been often associated with the onset of dental erosive wear. Objetive: This study in vitro assessed the pH of different mineral waters marketed in Brazil and their effects on the properties and surface of dental enamel. Methods: Forty-eight bovine incisor specimens were divided into four groups (n=12): CG-control group, PeG-Perrier, PrG-Prata, and SLG-São Lourenço. The immersion cycles were performed after analysis of the pH of the waters, for 5 days (5 minutes in mineral water and 60 minutes in artificial saliva). Knoop micro-hardness was assessed by means of three indentations with a load of 50kgf for 15 seconds, and surface roughness with a cut off of 0.25mm. The data were analysed using Student's t-test, ANOVA, and Tukey test, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The groups of waters with lower pH (Perrier® and São Lourenço®) exhibited a reduction in Knoop micro-hardness (p<0.0001) and an increase in surface roughness (p=0.04 and p=0.004, respectively). The Prata water group did not exhibit significant changes in Knoop micro-hardness (p=0.07) and surface roughness (p=0.26). Conclusion: Mineral waters with a pH below the critical value can lead to a reduction in surface hardness and roughness in the bovine enamel.