Effect of Novel Etching System on Etch Pattern in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Primary tooth enamel has unique characteristics influencing its response to etching agents.
• Optimizing etching protocols is crucial for effective dental treatments in children.
• Understanding etch patterns and mineral retention is key to preserving primary tooth structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of different etching systems on etch patterns and mineral retention in primary tooth enamel.
• To evaluate the efficacy of novel etching systems incorporating tricalcium phosphate (TCP).
• To determine the optimal etching strategy for primary teeth, balancing demineralization and mineral preservation.

Main Methods:

• Forty primary teeth were divided into four groups: control, 37% phosphoric acid, 37% phosphoric acid + TCP, and 10% citric acid + TCP.
• Etching was performed for 15 seconds, followed by rinsing and air-drying.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyzed etch patterns, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) quantified calcium and phosphorus retention.

Main Results:

• 37% phosphoric acid alone resulted in aggressive demineralization with a highly porous surface.
• The addition of TCP to phosphoric acid (group III) yielded a more controlled etch pattern with significantly higher calcium retention (41.47 ± 0.56%).
• Citric acid + TCP (group IV) produced a smoother surface with minimal porosity and the lowest phosphorus content (9.39 ± 0.13%).

Conclusions:

• Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) addition mitigates aggressive demineralization by phosphoric acid in primary teeth.
• The phosphoric acid + TCP combination offers an effective etching system with superior mineral preservation for primary teeth.
• Citric acid + TCP provides a gentler etching option, suitable for prioritizing enamel conservation in pediatric dentistry.