Synergistic effect of sodium fluoride and encapsulated calcium lactate on dental erosion-abrasion prevention.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to encapsulate calcium ions in mesoporous silica coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer, incorporate these particles into an experimental mouthrinse, and evaluate their potential to control dental erosion-abrasion.

METHODS

Bovine enamel and dentin specimens were assigned to five groups: NaF (225 ppmF⁻), Ca²⁺ (encapsulated calcium), Ca+F (encapsulated calcium + NaF), F+Sn (225 ppmF⁻; 800 ppmSn²⁺), and Control (distilled water). Fluoride availability was measured using an ion-selective electrode. Specimens underwent a 5-day erosive-abrasive cycling model with citric acid challenges, brushing, and treatment with the assigned solutions. Surface loss (µm) was quantified by optical profilometry. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 5 %).

RESULTS

Fluoride-containing solutions exhibited the expected ion availability, and no interaction between fluoride and encapsulated calcium was detected. In enamel, only F+Sn (4.81±0.13) significantly reduced surface loss compared to the Control (9.91±0.06) (p < 0.001). In dentin, Ca+F (10.39±0.48) significantly reduced surface loss relative to the Control (12.07±1.33) (p = 0.014) and did not differ from F+Sn (9.10±1.29) (p = 0.095). NaF and Ca alone showed no significant protective effect for either substrate.

CONCLUSIONS

Mesoporous silica loaded with calcium, when combined with NaF, provided protection against dentin erosive wear but did not reduce enamel loss. Tin-containing formulations remained the most effective option for enamel.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A fluoride mouthrinse containing calcium encapsulated in mesoporous silica demonstrated protective potential for dentin under erosive-abrasive conditions, offering a promising tin-free alternative for individuals with dentin exposure requiring management of erosive tooth wear.