THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPOMER AND GIC AGAINST PREVENTION IN ENAMEL DEMINERALIZATION

Background: Several studies showed that fluoride interferes in the dynamics involved in the development of caries and could present an antimicrobial effect or provide demineralization inhibition or dental remineralization. The development of fluoride-releasing materials can contribute to a preventive of demineralization. GIC and Compomer are restorative materials containing fluoride which can prevent demineralization. Purpose: To analyze the effectiveness of Compomer and GIC against prevention in enamel demineralization. Method: The cavities were made on 18 bovine teeth which grouped into 3 groups, each group consisting of 6 bovine teeth. After the restorative procedures, the teeth were submitted to demineralization and remineralization cycling during 14 days. The sections of the teeth were examined under scanning electron microscope after undergoing pH cycling. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey Test (p<0.05). Results: GIC group showed the lowest lesion depth of demineralization (10.9883 ± 0.74333) followed by Compomer group (25.4183 ± 3.44268) and Control group (88.9783 ± 3.02495). Conclusion: GIC restorative materials have a better enamel demineralization prevention effect than Compomer. Keywords: compomer, demineralization, fluoride, GIC, remineralization

Charcoal-based dentifrices and powders: analyses of product labels, Instagram engagement, and altmetrics

This study identified charcoal-based dentifrices and abrasive powders sold in Brazil and analyzed their label information. The products were searched in four online shopping platforms. The same products were searched on Instagram and their engagement metrics were investigated. Furthermore, a literature review of international publications assessing charcoal dentifrices and powders was conducted, and altmetrics were collected (Altmetric and PlumX). Thirty-six products were found with prices between $0.4-22 USD. Most frequent words in product description were sodium, stain, whitening, oil, xylitol, and coconut. Only 3 products contained fluoride. Bactericidal, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities were indicated, in addition to non-scientific claims such as calming teeth or increasing oral immunity. In total, 72% of products had Instagram profiles, which generally showed low engagement rates (81%) and medium audience quality scores (65%). Twenty-two articles were found in the literature, from which 21 were in vitro studies. The single clinical study was sponsored by a charcoal product and had no control group. In total, 23% of studies showed positive results and 55% reported negative results for the charcoal products, which included no whitening ability, increased roughness, surface alterations, and lower demineralization prevention ability. Altmetric scores for the included articles varied from 0 to 55, with 40.9% of studies mentioned online. In conclusion, charcoal-based products are using marketing strategies on Instagram but their current engagement with the public is not high. Consumers are being exposed to charcoal products whose potential risks to health are still unknown.

Efficacy of S-PRG filler containing varnishes on enamel demineralization prevention

This study evaluated the efficacy of S-PRG vanishes on preventing enamel demineralization. Bovine enamel specimens were obtained, polished and the baseline Knoop microhardness was evaluated. Specimens were stratified into six groups (n = 15), according to the varnish applied: S10—experimental varnish containing 10% of S-PRG fillers, S20—20% of S-PRG fillers, S30—30% of S-PRG fillers; S40—40% of S-PRG fillers; PC (positive control)—5% of NaF; NC (negative control)—no treatment was performed. Half of enamel surfaces were protected to work as a control and varnishes were applied over the unprotected area. A demineralizing pH-cycling was performed, and surface and cross-sectional microhardness were measured. The percentage of microhardness of the treated area was calculated comparing with the untreated area. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p = 5%). All experimental S-PRG varnishes protected against demineralization in relation to no treatment, but S40 was the most effective on the surface. For all depths, S30 and S40 were superior in enamel demineralization prevention than other S-PRG filler concentrations and 5% NaF. It was concluded that S-RPG filler containing varnishes were effective to prevent enamel demineralization. The higher concentrated products were more effective than 5% sodium fluoride on surface demineralization prevention.