Examining enamel-surface demineralization upon exposure to acidic solutions and the remineralization potential of milk and artificial saliva.

ABSTRACT

The enamel surface may undergo demineralization due to exposure to acidic substances and the remineralization of the etched enamel is crucial to regain or maintain integrity. This study aimed to investigate the erosive effect of 10 acidic solutions on tooth enamel and the remineralization capacity of milk and artificial saliva by measuring surface roughness (Ra), enamel depth, and microhardness. A total of 80 bovine incisor enamel specimens were immersed in 10 different acidic solutions, including four different acidic drinks, three different citric acid solutions, and three different citric acid buffer solutions, for 1 h. After demineralization, the specimens were immersed in milk and artificial saliva for 3 h. Surface roughness, enamel abraded depth, and microhardness were measured before demineralization, in-between time intervals and after remineralization. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p < 0.05). The results indicate a significant difference in surface roughness between the measurements taken at different time intervals, particularly between the baseline and after 1 h demineralization. Also, the specimens immersed in CAB1 exhibited greatest increase in Ra among other acidic solutions (Δ 0.18 ± 0.07). Moreover, only the microhardness increased after remineralization (p < 0.05). Enamel demineralization using various acidic solutions revealed increased Ra and enamel abraded depth, and decreased microhardness. The use of remineralization agents, milk and artificial saliva, demonstrated an increase in microhardness. This study provides insights into the effects of different acidic solutions and potential remineralization agents on tooth enamel.