Enamel microhardness change and plaque pH measurements in an intra-oral model in humans

Changes in plaque pH and microhardness of bovine enamel slabs were evaluated with a seven-day intra-oral cariogenicity test (ICT). The test enamel slabs were mounted in prosthetic appliances with a Dacron mesh cover for enhancement of microbial colonization. Three percent solutions of sucrose, sorbitol, and xylitol were evaluated as four daily extra-oral immersions of 10 min each, for seven days, and the results were compared with baseline experiments (no daily immersions). The pH was measured with antimony electrodes on one-day and seven-day ICT plaque samples that were challenged with a one-minute immersion in the studied substrates. Plaque samples in the baseline experiments were challenged with 3% sucrose. The enamel softening was assessed with measurements of microhardness. Sucrose challenge caused pH depression with both the baseline and the sucrose-immersed plaque. Sorbitol and xylitol challenge did not depress the plaque pH. Compared with the baseline, sucrose immersions caused enamel softening; sorbitol and xylitol did not.