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Xylitol Fluoride Varnish: In Vitro Effect Analysis on Enamel by Atomic Force Microscopy
Catalina Iulia Saveanu1, Oana Dragos2, Daniela Anistoroaei1
1Surgical Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania.
Biomedicines
|August 26, 2022
Summary
This study shows that xylitol-fluoride varnish application increases enamel surface roughness, enhancing dental caries resistance. This fluoride varnish offers a protective effect on tooth enamel.
Area of Science:
- Dental science
- Materials science
Background:
- Fluoride is crucial for preventing dental caries.
- The immediate effects of fluoride varnish on enamel structure require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the structural changes in tooth enamel after applying a xylitol-fluoride varnish.
- To assess the varnish's immediate impact on enamel surface topography and roughness.
Main Methods:
- Ten enamel specimens were analyzed using atomic force microscopy before and after fluoride varnish application.
- Dimensional topographic analysis was conducted using 2D and 3D software.
- Statistical analysis employed a one-sample t-test (p < 0.05) to determine significance.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in surface roughness (Ra) was observed after fluoride varnish application (p < 0.05).
- Measurements showed a change in Ra from 0.039 μm (±0.048) to 0.049 μm (±0.031).
- Significant differences in Ra between non-fluorinated and fluorinated enamel indicate a protective effect.
Conclusions:
- Xylitol-fluoride varnish effectively reduces enamel surface roughness when exposed to abrasion.
- A single, short-term application of this varnish enhances enamel resistance to dental caries.
- The findings support the protective role of fluoride varnish in dental caries prevention.
