Techniques for the production of dental eroded lesions in vitro

This project firstly demonstrated an in vitro technique for the production of eroded lesions which simulates the in vivo conditions, and secondly evaluated the influence of salivary parameters on the degree of erosion in vitro. Teeth were sectioned sagitally into three equal portions. The portions were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups (A, B and C). Lesions were produced by cycling the teeth between orange juice and either artificial saliva (A) or water (B) for a total period of 12 h, or by a single 12 h immersion in orange juice (C). Sections were prepared from each specimen and mineral loss was quantified using transverse microradiography. Mineral loss was significantly lower in group A compared with B and C. Greatest mineral loss was observed in B though not significant when compared with C. The present technique mimics the in vivo conditions with the saliva reducing the degree of erosion and possibly remineralizing the lesions.