Brushing-induced effects with and without a non-fluoride abrasive dentifrice on remineralization of enamel surfaces etched with phosphoric acid

The remineralization of acid-etched enamel after brushing with and without a non-fluoride abrasive dentifrice was investigated using scanning electron microscopy after sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid treatment, of the specimens. Ground enamel pieces were etched with 30% phosphoric acid for 60 s and attached to resin plates. They were exposed to the oral environment of 4 subjects for 8 weeks and brushed for 1 min daily. Paste and brushing caused the acid-etched enamel to erode selectively, i.e., deep grooves were formed in the prism peripheral regions, while projections of the prism bodies showing a relatively low density of crystallites were retained. Brushing without dentifrice, on the other hand, caused about 0.5 micron thick pellicle with tag-like structures to cover the etched enamel. Fine mineral granules, presumably derived from saliva and minute fragments of etched crystallites, were precipitated on the enamel surface as a thin layer with the pellicle. These results indicate that daily brushing without dentifrice induces the remineralization of acid-etched enamel by depositing salivary components, while paste brushing will lead to abrasion of the weakened enamel.