Effect of Calcium-phosphate Desensitizers on Staining Susceptibility of Acid-eroded Enamel

To investigate the effect of calcium-phosphate-based desensitizers, Teethmate AP paste (TMAP) and Teethmate Desensitizer (TMD) (Kuraray Noritake Dental, Tokyo, Japan), on the prevention of staining on acid-eroded enamel.

Forty polished enamel samples (4×4×1 mm) from bovine incisors were randomly divided into five groups (n=8). After immersion in 50 mL of 0.5% citric acid (pH 2.5) for 15 minutes to form acid-eroded surfaces, the surfaces were subjected to different treatments with TMAP, TMD, and NaF (0.21% means 950 ppm) for five minutes. Another eroded group was not treated with desensitizer. For the control group, the samples were not eroded or treated. All the samples were stored in artificial saliva (AS) at pH 7.2 for 24 hours at 37°C. The TMAP, TMD, or NaF was reapplied at eight and 16 hours during the 24 hours of storage time. The surface roughness (Sa) was evaluated following ISO 25178 for surface texture using confocal laser scanning microscopy (VK-X 150 series, Keyence, Osaka, Japan) before acid erosion, after acid erosion, and after 24 hours of incubation in AS. Afterward, the color difference was measured with a dental colorimeter (Shade Eye NCC, Shofu, Kyoto, Japan) before and after staining with tea solution.

One-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed that acid erosion significantly increased Sa (p<0.001). TMAP- and TMD-treated groups exhibited lower Sa values than the NaF group and the no-desensitizer treatment group. The greatest staining was observed in the NaF group and the no-desensitizer group, while the TMAP and TMD groups significantly decreased the formation of stains.

Acid-eroded enamel increased surface roughness and tended to absorb more stains. However, the application of TMAP and TMD moderated the roughness and thus prevented the formation of extrinsic stains.