Nanoencapsulated fluoride as a remineralization option for dental erosion: an in vitro study

To compare the in vitro performance of different dentifrices indicated for dental erosion and a new dentifrice with controlled fluoride release system (NanoF) in terms of surface microhardness remineralization in enamel erosion lesions.

72 human enamel specimens were divided into 6 groups (n = 12): PC (100% NaF - positive control); NC (Placebo - negative control); 50%nF (50% NanoF + 50% free NaF), 100%nF (100% NanoF); PN (Sensodyne^® ProNamel™) and AG (Colgate^® Sensitive Pro-Relief™). A surface microhardness analysis was performed before (SH₀) and after (SH₁) the erosion lesion formation. The blocks were submitted to a 5-day de-remineralization cycling model, consisting of 90 s immersion on 0.1% citric acid (4x/day) and 1 min treatment with dentifrice slurries along with 1 mL/block of human saliva (2x/day). Lastly, the final surface microhardness analysis (SH₂) was measured and the percentage of surface microhardness remineralization (%SMH_R) was calculated. Data were analysed with 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < .05).

Statistically significant differences were observed for SH₂ and %SMH_R between NC and AG with the other groups (p < .05). The best %SMH_R from the experimental groups was found in 100%nF and PN.

Dentifrices with NanoF exhibited a surface microhardness remineralization similar to sodium fluoride (PC). Therefore, NanoF dentifrice can be an alternative to prevent and treat patients with dental erosion.