Hemoglobin Protects Enamel against Intrinsic Enamel Erosive Demineralization.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the changes in the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) proteome when this integument is formed in vivo after treatment with sugarcane-derived cystatin (CaneCPI-5), hemoglobin (HB), and a statherin-derived peptide (StN15), or their combination and then exposed to an intrinsic acid challenge. The effectiveness of these treatments in preventing intrinsic erosion was also evaluated. METHODS: Ten volunteers, after prophylaxis, in 5 crossover phases, rinsed with the following solutions (10 mL, 1 min): control (deionized water-H2O) - group 1, 0.1 mg/mL CaneCPI-5 - group 2, 1.0 mg/mL HB - group 3, 1.88 × 10-5M StN15 - group 4, or a blend of these - group 5. Following this, AEP formation occurred (2 h) and an enamel biopsy (10 µL, 0.01 m HCl, pH 2.0, 10 s) was conducted on one incisor. The biopsy acid was then analyzed for calcium (Arsenazo method). The vestibular surfaces of the other teeth were treated with the same acid. Acid-resistant proteins in the residual AEP were then collected and analyzed quantitatively via proteomics. RESULTS: Compared to control, treatment with the proteins/peptide, mixed or isolated, markedly enhanced acid-resistant proteins in the AEP. Notable increases occurred in pyruvate kinase PKM (11-fold, CaneCPI-5), immunoglobulins and submaxillary gland androgen-regulated protein 3B (4-fold, StN15), Hb, and lysozyme C (2-fold, StN15). Additionally, a range of proteins not commonly identified in the AEP but known to bind calcium or other proteins were identified in groups treated with the tested proteins/peptide either in isolation or as a mixture. The mean (SD, mM) calcium concentrations released from enamel were 3.67 ± 1.48a, 3.11 ± 0.72a, 1.94 ± 0.57b, 2.37 ± 0.90a, and 2.38 ± 0.45a for groups 1-5, respectively (RM-ANOVA/Tukey, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that all treatments, whether using a combination of proteins/peptides or in isolation, enhanced acid-resistant proteins in the AEP. However, only HB showed effectiveness in protecting against intrinsic erosive demineralization. These results pave the way for innovative preventive methods against intrinsic erosion, using "acquired pellicle engineering" techniques.

Should We Wait to Brush Our Teeth? A Scoping Review Regarding Dental Caries and Erosive Tooth Wear.

BACKGROUND: Tooth brushing is a universal recommendation. However, the recommendations related to the time of its execution are conflicting, especially when dealing with patients at risk of erosive tooth wear (ETW) or dental caries. SUMMARY: Our objective was to summarize the evidence on the timing of brushing with fluoridated toothpaste in relation to ETW and cariogenic dietary challenges. We conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR checklist, using three databases searching for in vivo, in situ, or in vitro studies involving human teeth exposed to either a cariogenic or an erosive challenge. Only models including human saliva and fluoride were assessed. Data selection, extraction, and risk of bias analysis were done in duplicate and independently. From 1,545 identified studies, 17 (16 related to ETW and 1 to dental caries) were included. Most evidence (n = 10) supported that brushing with a fluoride-containing product does not increase ETW, independent of the moment of brushing. Delaying tooth brushing up to 1 h (n = 4) or individualized recommendations based on the patient's problem (n = 2) were less frequent. Only one study reported that brushing pre- or post-meal does not affect Streptococcus mutans counts. Most data were in situ (n = 13), and the overall study quality was judged as sufficient/low risk of bias. KEY MESSAGES: Although the available evidence lacked robust clinical studies, tooth brushing using fluoridated products immediately after an erosive challenge does not increase the risk of ETW and can be recommended, which is in line with recommendations for dental caries prevention. Furthermore, we suggest updating the international guidelines to promote individualized recommendations based on risk factors to prevent either ETW or dental caries.

Effect of Polyphenols on the Ultrastructure of the Dentin Pellicle and Subsequent Erosion.

INTRODUCTION: Erosive tooth wear is a highly prevalent dental condition that is modified by the ever-present salivary pellicle. The aim of the present in situ study was to investigate the effect of polyphenols on the ultrastructure of the pellicle formed on dentin in situ and a subsequent erosive challenge. METHODS: The pellicle was formed on bovine dentin specimens for 3 min or 2 h in 3 subjects. After subjects rinsed with sterile water (negative control), 1% tannic acid, 1% hop extract, or tin/fluoride solution containing 800 ppm tin and 500 ppm fluoride (positive control), specimens were removed from the oral cavity. The erosive challenge was performed on half of the specimens with 1% citric acid, and all specimens were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Incorporation of tannic acid in the pellicle was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. RESULTS: Compared to the negative control, ultrastructural analyses reveal a thicker and electron-denser pellicle after application of polyphenols, in which, according to spectroscopy, tannic acid is also incorporated. Application of citric acid resulted in demineralization of dentin, but to a lesser degree when the pellicle was pretreated with a tin/fluoride solution. The pellicle was more acid-resistant than the negative control when modified with polyphenols or tin/fluoride solution. CONCLUSION: Polyphenols can have a substantial impact on the ultrastructure and acid resistance of the dentin pellicle, while the tin/fluoride solution showed explicit protection against erosive demineralization.

Hard drugs use and tooth wear: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to map evidence on the relationship between hard drug use and dental wear. The scoping review is guided by the question: What is the relationship between hard drug consumption and dental wear? MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, searches were conducted across PubMed, Embase, and four databases in March 2024. Inclusion criteria included studies investigating the association between hard drug use and dental wear, regardless of publication date or language. Data were presented through narrative exposition, tables, and a conceptual framework. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies (four case-control, three cross-sectional, five case reports, and sixteen literature reviews) were included. Among case-control studies, 75% observed an association between drug use and dental erosion; however, no cross-sectional studies demonstrated this association. Despite questionable quality, reviews established connections between drug use and dental erosion. Studies aimed to elucidate potential causes for dental erosion. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis suggests a potential link between hard drug use and dental wear, though indirect. Factors like bruxism and reduced salivary pH may contribute to dental wear among drug users. Further investigation through primary studies exploring this relationship is necessary. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dentists should focus not only on clinical characteristics of dental wear but also on mediating factors such as bruxism and decreased salivary pH associated with drug use. This holistic approach allows for a deeper understanding of dental wear mechanisms, enabling targeted preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Salivary, acidic and enzymatic degradation of resin composite subjected to different finishing and polishing systems.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different finishing and polishing systems on the surface roughness of a resin composite subjected to simulated saliva-, acid-, and enzyme-induced degradation. METHODS: 160 specimens (n= 40) were fabricated with Filtek Z350 XT nanofilled composite and analyzed for average surface roughness (Ra). The specimens were finished and polished using: AD - Al2O3-impreginated rubberized discs (medium, fine, and superfine grit, Sof-Lex); SD - silicon carbide and Al2O3-impregnated rubberized discs (coarse, medium and fine grit, Jiffy,); MB - 12- and 30-multiblade burs. The control group (CT) (n= 40) comprised specimens with a Mylar-strip-created surface. Specimens from each group were immersed in 1 mL of one of the degradation methods (n= 10): artificial saliva (ArS: pH 6.75), cariogenic challenge (CaC: pH 4.3), erosive challenge (ErC: 0.05M citric acid, pH 2.3) or enzymatic challenge (EzC: artificial saliva with 700 µg/mL of albumin, pH 6.75). The immersion period simulated a time frame of 180 days. Ra measurements were also performed at the post-polishing and post-degradation time points. The data were evaluated by three-way ANOVA for repeated measures and the Tukey tests. RESULTS: There was significant interaction between the finishing/polishing system and the degradation method (P= 0.001). AD presented the greatest smoothness, followed by SD. After degradation, CT, AD and SD groups became significantly rougher, but not the MB group, which presented no difference in roughness before or after degradation. CT and AD groups showed greater roughness in CaC, ErC and EzC than in ArS. The SD group showed no difference in roughness when the specimens were polished with CaC, EzC or ArS, but those treated with ErC had greater roughness. In the MB group, the lower roughness values were found after using CaC and EzC, while the higher values were found using ErC or ArS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: As far as degradation resistance of nanofilled composite to hydrolysis, bacterial and dietary acids and enzymatic reactions is concerned, restorations that had been finished and polished with Al2O3-impregnated discs had the smoothest surfaces.

Diagnostic accuracy of clinical signs to detect erosive tooth wear in its early phase.

BACKGROUND: Agreement exists about most of the clinical features of erosive tooth wear, though no evidence supports their validity in diagnosing the condition. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of clinical signs for diagnosing erosive tooth wear in a young adult general population. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of dental students. In the first session, two examiners independently determined the presence of erosive tooth wear based on glazed enamel surfaces, morphological changes on non-occlusal surfaces, flattening of convex areas, or any type of concavity. In the second session, one examiner recorded the presence of clinical signs according to the Tooth Wear Evaluation System. The diagnostic accuracy of each clinical sign, both alone and combined, was assessed by calculating their sensitivity and specificity for detecting erosive tooth wear and performing multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of the 147 participants (78 women and 69 men; median age, 22 years) we included, 76.2% had erosive tooth wear. The single clinical signs with greatest balance between the sensitivity and specificity were 'convex areas flatten' (63% and 71%, respectively) and 'dull surface' (47% and 89%, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that 'preservation of the enamel cuff' (odds ratio, 22) and the combination of 'smooth silky shining, silky glazed appearance, and dull surface' (odds ratio, 68) had the best predictive values. CONCLUSIONS: The most accurate clinical signs for detecting early erosive tooth wear were dull surface, flattened convex areas and preservation of the enamel cuff.

Factors associated with prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear in patients with reflux oesophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Extrinsic factors for erosive tooth wear (ETW) have been widely reported, but the intrinsic factors for wear remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with the prevalence of ETW in patients with reflux oesophagitis (RO). To prevent severe ETW with RO, factors associated with severity of ETW were also evaluated. METHODS: A total of 270 patients with RO were recruited. A modified tooth wear index was used to evaluate the prevalence and severity of ETW. Salivary secretion and buffering capacity were assessed prior to endoscopy. Subjects were asked to complete a medical condition and oral self-care questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify factors collectively associated with the prevalence and severity of ETW. RESULTS: A total of 212 cases were categorized as patients with ETW (148 with mild ETW and 64 with severe ETW). Multivariate analyses indicated that saliva secretion, severity of RO and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) resistance were associated with the prevalence of ETW, whereas age, BMI and severity of RO were associated with the severity of ETW. The odds ratio of saliva secretion and BMI were less than 1, meaning that higher saliva secretion resulted in a lower prevalence of ETW and lower BMI was associated with severe ETW. CONCLUSION: Saliva secretion, severity of RO and PPI resistance were associated with the prevalence of ETW, whereas age, BMI and severity of RO were associated with the severity of ETW. Lower saliva secretion and BMI were significant factors for ETW.

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (both reflux oesophagitis and non-erosive reflux disease): Prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear and saliva properties.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence between erosive tooth wear (ETW) in association with reflux oesophagitis (RO) has been reported. However, the severity of both diseases and the relationship between ETW and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) is unclear. OBJECTIVES: The prevalence and severity of ETW were investigated in RO, NERD and healthy controls. METHODS: 135 patients with RO, 65 with NERD and 40 healthy controls were recruited for this case-control study. A modified tooth wear index was used to evaluate the prevalence and severity of ETW. Salivary secretion and buffer capacity were assessed prior to endoscopy. The prevalence and severity of ETW, saliva properties among each group were analysed using Pearson's chi-squared test. RESULTS: A total of 135 cases (56.3%) were categorised as the patient with ETW (55 with mild RO, 49 with severe RO and 31 with NERD). There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of RO and ETW, while there was no significant correlation between the prevalence of NERD and ETW. There was a significant difference related to the severity between RO and ETW. For salivary secretion, there was a significant difference between with and without ETW in patients with mild RO, severe RO and NERD. There was a significant difference between with and without ETW for salivary buffer capacity in patients with mild and severe RO. CONCLUSION: There was a significant association of the prevalence and severity between RO and ETW. Clinical signs such as ETW and salivary buffer capacity depended on the severity of RO.

Risk factors for noncarious cervical lesions: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) are multifactorial and can be caused by the anatomical structure of the teeth, erosion, abrasion and abnormal occlusion. The aim of this case-control study was to explore the risk factors for NCCLs. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography was used to determine whether a wedge-shaped defect existed at the cementoenamel junction. We compared 63 participants with NCCLs with 63 controls without NCCLs, matched for sex, age (±1 year) and toothbrushing-related factors (e.g., type of bristle and brushing patterns, frequency and strength). All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about self-administered daily diet habits and health condition. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors for NCCLs. RESULTS: Significant variables in the univariate analysis (i.e., p < .2) included frequency of carbonated beverage consumption, sella-nasion-point B angle (SNB) and Frankfort-mandibular plane angle (FMA). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the consumption frequency of carbonated beverages (odds ratio [OR] = 3.147; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.039-9.532), FMA (OR = 1.100; 95% CI, 1.004-1.204) and SNB (OR = 0.896; 95% CI, 0.813-0.988) was independent influencing factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of regression Model 1 (established with the frequency of carbonated beverage consumption, FMA, SNB and sleep bruxism) was 0.700 (95% CI, 0.607-0.792; p < .001), and that of regression Model 2 (established using the frequency of carbonated beverage consumption, FMA and SNB) was 0.704 (95% CI, 0.612-0.796; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption frequency of carbonated beverages and FMA was risk factors for NCCLs; the higher the frequency of carbonated beverage consumption and FMA, the higher was the probability of NCCLs. SNB was a protective factor for NCCL occurrence; the larger the SNB, the lower was the probability of NCCL occurrence. These findings have further clarified the aetiology of NCCLs and provided clinicians with valuable insights into strategies for preventing the loss of dental tissue.

Influence of fluoride characteristics on tooth surface protection in an erosive condition: A multifaceted characterization approach.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of fluoride consistency and composition to protect enamel and dentin against the dental erosion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine enamel and dentin specimens were treated with artificial saliva, neutral fluoride gel (NFG), acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (AFG), neutral fluoride foam (NFF), and acidulated phosphate fluoride foam. The samples were subjected to cycling. Micro energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, surface roughness (Ra), contact angle (CA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. Composition, CA and Ra data were analyzed by ANOVA and multiple comparison test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The dentin protected had a significantly higher mineral content than in the control. Eroded unprotected enamel had higher Ra values than normal surfaces. Fluoride treatments increased the Ra in dentin samples. AFG increased the CA in enamel. Fluoride foams increased CA in dentin with reduced mineral loss. SEM analysis found a deposited layer on enamel treated with AFG and remnants of deposits on dentin treated with NFG and NFF. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the form of application, fluoride provided protection against erosion, however with different levels. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Applying the adequate fluoride form is relevant since the formulations have different effects on both enamel and dentin.

Prevention and management of dental erosion and decay.

The 2017 Global Disease Study revealed 2.3 billion untreated cavities and 139 million other oral conditions like dental erosion. Modern treatments prioritise controlling etiological factors and preventing related diseases. This Editorial invites researchers to contribute to the collection, 'Prevention and management of dental erosion and decay'.

Dental care staff's experience with risk assessment of dental erosion: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The risk assessment of dental erosion among children and adolescents is an important aspect of dental care, as dental erosion constitutes a rapidly growing, global problem. Dental professionals rely solely on their own perception, as the current risk assessment process is not completely automatized, which affects the risk assessment reliability. AIM: To explore dental professionals' experiences with risk assessment of dental erosion among children and adolescents. METHOD: In-depth interview was used as data collection method. A total of 11 dental professionals were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The findings were summarized in the categories Professionals' responsibility, Systematic approach , and Collaboration and communication. Dental staff perceived that their basic knowledge regarding erosion should be improved, and skills development was desired to reduce the knowledge gaps around the risk assessment of dental erosion. They alleged that the systematic approach could be improved by reducing workplace stress, implementing a universal dental erosion index, improving the existing risk assessment software, and automating the risk assessment of the condition. Dental professionals also experienced a need to calibrate and collaborate with each other and with other healthcare professionals to improve patient care. CONCLUSION: Dental professionals experienced their basic knowledge of dental erosion and their risk assessment as good, but a more advanced skill development was required. Furthermore, they experienced the risk assessment software as a good tool that should be improved to compile more objective risk assessment. A universal erosion index was also requested.

Impact of acidic beverages on composition and surface characteristics of human teeth: scanning electron microscopic, stereomicroscopic and energy dispersive x-ray analyses.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of acidic beverages on the surface topography and elemental composition of human teeth. METHODS: A total of five highly acidic beverages (Red Bull, Pepsi, Apple Cidra, Tang Mosambi, and Tang Orange) were investigated. The tooth specimens of experimental groups were submerged in each beverage and incubated at 37 °C for 7 days, whereas, the tooth specimens of control groups were placed in distilled water. Afterwards, tooth specimens were analyzed using scanning electron microscopic (SEM), stereomicroscopic, and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) techniques. RESULTS: All experimental groups revealed a decline in the tooth elements compared to controls, however, such decline was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, comparing the experimental groups, the Red Bull beverage caused a marked reduction in the percentage of both calcium and phosphorus elements compared to the Pepsi, Apple Cidra, Tang Mosambi, and Tang Orange beverages but it was insignificant as well in contrast to its control counterpart. All five acidic beverages demonstrated erosive potential under SEM analysis; however, each group of specimens showed a diverse amount of demineralization. In addition, all experimental groups exhibited significant discoloration of tooth specimens compared to their respective control counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of study, all five acidic beverages demonstrated erosive potential in the simulated in vitro conditions under SEM analysis; however, each group of specimens exhibited a different extent of demineralization. In addition, the overall effect of all beverages was insignificant under EDX analysis as no substantial difference was revealed between the elemental composition of experimental and control group specimens.

Practical training using BEWE aimed at improving the diagnosis ability of erosive tooth wear for dental students-A randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Erosive tooth wear (ETW) has been gaining attention due to its high prevalence. However, ETW clinical diagnosis is difficult and may go unnoticed by many professionals. The present study aimed to develop, implement and evaluate a theoretical-practical training using active methodologies in the development of undergraduate students' skills for the diagnosis of ETW compared to the traditional teaching method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled study involved two parallel groups: control group (n = 22), with learning based only on theoretical content and test group (n = 24), learning by theoretical-practical activity mediated by monitors/tutors. The theoretical class covered the current concepts of ETW, aetiology, diagnosis, use of the BEWE index, prevention and treatment. The practical training included exercises and discussions based on the diagnosis using BEWE scores of a collection of images and extracted teeth. To evaluate the efficacy of the teaching-learning methods, a theoretical multiple-choice questionnaire and a practical test using images and extracted teeth were applied. The outcome was the number of correct answers. Groups were compared by Mann-Whitney (theoretical knowledge) and T tests (practical ability in diagnosis) (p < .05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in the theoretical evaluation (p = .866). The test group showed higher ability to diagnose ETW lesions compared to the control group in the practical tests (p = .001). The performance of ETW diagnosis was similar when images were used in comparison to extracted teeth (p = .570). CONCLUSION: The practical activity associated with theoretical classes can be a promising strategy to improve the development of undergraduate students' skills in the diagnosis of ETW.

Sports Diet and Oral Health in Athletes: A Comprehensive Review.

Food and fluid supply is fundamental for optimal athletic performance but can also be a risk factor for caries, dental erosion, and periodontal diseases, which in turn can impair athletic performance. Many studies have reported a high prevalence of oral diseases in elite athletes, notably dental caries 20-84%, dental erosion 42-59%, gingivitis 58-77%, and periodontal disease 15-41%, caused by frequent consumption of sugars/carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fats, or deficient protein intake. There are three possible major reasons for poor oral health in athletes which are addressed in this review: oxidative stress, sports diet, and oral hygiene. This update particularly summarizes potential sports nutritional effects on athletes' dental health. Overall, sports diet appropriately applied to deliver benefits for performance associated with oral hygiene requirements is necessary to ensure athletes' health. The overall aim is to help athletes, dentists, and nutritionists understand the tangled connections between sports diet, oral health, and oral healthcare to develop mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of dental diseases due to nutrition.

Description of a new laboratory evaluation method of interdental brush abrasion as a clinical hazard.

OBJECTIVES: To simulate the abrasive potential of an interdental brush when applied with toothpastes and prophylactic gels/solutions in a novel laboratory brushing simulation set-up. METHODS: A brushing device was customized to treat dentin samples mimicking a simplified interdental space with an interdental brush (ISO 2). The brushing, that is, 7200 strokes for 1 h, was performed with artificial saliva (control), a povidone-iodine solution, and slurries of chlorhexidine and fluoride gels as well as three toothpastes with different RDA values ranging from 29 to 100, respectively. The loss of dentin was profilometrically assessed and compared with ANOVA and Fishers LSD. RESULTS: While artificial saliva as control, the solution and the gel slurries showed no measurable dentin loss, toothpastes resulted in a measurable linear surface damage with respect to the actual intrinsic RDA values and ranged from 12.6 to 26.5 µm (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Any interdental cleaning product should be tailored and carefully instructed. Any over- and misuse should be avoided, which applies especially to the use of interdental brushes in combination with abrasive toothpastes.

Addition of substances to reduce the erosive potential of acidic beverages to tooth enamel: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed (1) to map, analyse, interpret and synthesize data from in situ studies on which substances were added to acidic beverages to reduce the erosive potential on tooth enamel and (2) to establish the level of evidence of the effectiveness of adding substances to acidic beverages to reduce the erosive potential on tooth enamel. DESIGN: This is a scoping review, according to the methods from the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR, with high-sensitivity searches in the databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Virtual Health Library, Embase (Elsevier), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science and ScienceDirect (Elsevier). In situ studies published in English until December 2022 were included. Studies that did not report a control group were excluded. To map and summarize the results, tables and figures were used. RESULTS: From 895 potentially eligible articles, nine were included. Blackcurrant juices (n = 5) with the addition of calcium (n = 3) or xanthan gum (n = 2) formulations were the most tested in terms of reducing the erosive potential of the beverages on tooth enamel. The profilometer was the equipment of choice (n = 8) for evaluating the loss of enamel structure after the experimental tests. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium and xanthan gum are among the most tested by in situ studies, offering promising results in reducing the erosive potential of fruit juices and carbonated and energy drinks.

The role of calcium in the prevention of erosive tooth wear: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The loss of hard dental tissue due to recurrent acid challenges and mechanical stresses without bacterial involvement is known as erosive tooth wear (ETW). Many studies in the literature have concentrated on variables that may affect the ETW process and prevent its occurrence or reduce its advancement. However, to date, no previous systematic review has evaluated the role of calcium in preventing ETW. Therefore, the purpose of the present systematic review was to review and critically appraise the scientific evidence regarding the role of calcium formulations in the prevention of ETW. METHODS: The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (Ref: CRD42021229819). A literature search was conducted in electronic databases to identify in situ randomized controlled trials evaluating the prevention of ETW following the application of calcium formulations. The outcomes studied included mean enamel loss, surface microhardness, surface roughness, mean erosion/softening depth, mineral loss/precipitation and remineralization. Study characteristics and outcomes of included studies were summarized. Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool 2.0 was used to assess the quality of eligible studies, and meta-analysis using a random effects model was performed. RESULTS: The search retrieved 869 studies of which 21 were considered eligible. Regarding the results of the quality assessment for potential risk of bias in all included studies, overall, 5 studies were considered as being at low risk, another 12 at unclear risk and 4 at high risk of bias. The findings of the studies showed that the addition of calcium in juice drinks led to reduced enamel loss, with blackcurrant juice presenting 2.6 times statistically significant less enamel loss compared to orange juice (p = 0.0001, I2 = 89%). No statistically significant difference in mean surface microhardness of eroded enamel was recorded between chewing gum with or without casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) (p = 0.31, I2 = 71%). Contradictory were the results regarding the effect of milk and CPP-ACP pastes on prevention of ETW. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium formulations play an important role in ETW prevention, mainly through their addition to acidic drinks.

EFFECT OF LASER IRRADIATION ASSOCIATED WITH FLUORIDE IN DECREASING EROSIVE TOOTH WEAR: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW WITH A NETWORK META-ANALYSIS  .

OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review with a network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to evaluate the effect of high-power lasers, associated or not with fluoride compounds, to control and prevent Erosive Tooth Wear (ETW). METHODS: The review was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42021242547) and followed the PICO question: P (population): enamel and dentin substrate; I (Intervention): high-power laser irradiation, associated or not with fluoride compounds; C (Control): no-treatment; and O (Outcomes): prevention/control of ETW. The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE were searched. Two independent reviewers evaluated in vitro and in situ studies. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoBDEMAT tool. The estimated treatment effect derived from direct and indirect comparisons were analyzed and the difference between these effects was calculated based on the data of enamel and dentin surface loss (in µm). RESULTS: A total of 179 studies were retrieved and after the exclusion of duplicates, 103 studies had their titles and abstracts evaluated. Thirty-nine studies had their full text analyzed for data extraction (Cohen Kappa = 0.88). For sound enamel, the laser irradiation (L), fluoride application (F) and, the association of treatments (L + F) promoted higher protection than No-Treatment (NT). For eroded enamel, L + F and F did not differ, but both treatments reduced surface loss compared to NT and L. For sound and eroded dentin, treatments with laser increased surface loss. CONCLUSIONS: Although a high-power laser has some potential to prevent erosive tooth wear, this effect is not better than that of standard fluoride. The use of laser in the management of dentin erosive wear can be harmful.

Polyphenols for Preventing Dental Erosion in Pre-clinical Studies with in situ Designs and Simulated Acid Attack.

Dental erosion is a chemical process characterized by acid dissolution of dental hard tissue, and its etiology is multifactorial. Dietary polyphenols can be a strategy for dental erosion management, collaborating to preserve dental tissues through resistance to biodegradation. This study describes a comprehensive review to interpret the effects of polyphenols on dental erosion of pre-clinical models with in situ designs and simulated acid attacks on enamel and dentin samples. We aim to evaluate evidence about Polyphenols' effects in the type of dental substrate, parameters of erosive cycling chosen in the in situ models, and the possible mechanisms involved. An evidence-based literature review was conducted using appropriate search strategies developed for main electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, EMBASE, LIVIVO, CINAHL, and DOSS) and gray literature (Google Scholar). The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to evaluate the quality of the evidence. From a total of 1900 articles, 8 were selected for evidence synthesis, including 224 specimens treated with polyphenols and 224 control samples. Considering the studies included in this review, we could observe that polyphenols tend to promote a reduction in erosive and abrasive wear compared to control groups. However, as the few studies included have a high risk of bias with different methodologies and the estimated effect size is low, this conclusion should not be extrapolated to clinical reality.