The Impact of the Demineralized Organic Matrix on the Effect of TiF4 Varnish on the Progression of Dentin Erosive Loss

Abstract

This in vitro study compared the effect of TiF4 varnish with that of NaF varnish, applied on pre-eroded bovine dentin samples, with respect to the progression of erosive loss, in the presence or absence of the demineralized organic matrix (DOM). One hundred and sixty bovine dentin samples were pre-eroded (0.1% citric acid, pH 2.5, 30 min). Half of the samples were subjected to the DOM removal (collagenase solution, 5 days). Samples with and without the DOM were treated according to the groups (n = 20 with DOM and 20 without DOM/group): TiF4 varnish (2.45% F), NaF varnish (2.45% F), placebo varnish (without fluoride) and control (no treatment). Thereafter, the treated samples were submitted to erosive challenges 4 × 90 s/day (0.1% citric acid, pH 2.5) during 7 days. Between the challenges, the samples were immersed in artificial saliva. The dentin erosive loss was measured using contact profilometry (µm, n = 15). Five dentin samples per group were prepared for energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. Data were compared using 2-way ANOVA/Bonferroni test (p < 0.05). Both fluoride varnishes were effective in reducing the erosive loss progression regardless of the dentin condition when compared to placebo varnish and control groups. Despite the fact that the TiF4 varnish was more effective than the NaF varnish for both dentin conditions (p < 0.001), its effect was significantly reduced in the absence of DOM (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that the TiF4 varnish is the best treatment in reducing the progression of dentin erosive loss (100%) in vitro, but its protective effect is more pronounced in the presence of DOM.