Effect of dentinal fluid composition on dentin demineralization in vitro

Dentin demineralization is reduced by perfusion with water. We hypothesized that a simulated dentinal fluid (SDF) that contains albumin, in addition to electrolytes, would be more effective in reducing dentin demineralization than water alone, and this effect would increase with increasing flow rate of SDF. Perfusion rate in tooth segments that carried buccal cervical dentin windows was measured in a fluid transport set-up. These windows were then demineralized under perfusion with water, or SDF at 1.47 kPa for 31 days. We analyzed integrated mineral loss and lesion depth with the use of transverse microradiography (TMR), which revealed that 38% more mineral dissolved from dentin lesions perfused with water than from those perfused with SDF. The former were also 18% deeper. Flow rate of dentinal fluid showed no correlation with demineralization. We concluded that composition of dentinal fluid is an important determinant of the rate of lesion formation and progression in dentin.