In Vitro Evaluation of an Experimental Propolis/Chitosan Varnish for the Prevention of Dental Erosion in Primary Tooth Enamel

Objective: To evaluate the ability of an experimental propolis/chitosan varnish to inhibit the erosive process in primary tooth enamel. Materials and Methods: Forty-two primary incisors were selected and divided into three groups (n = 14): control/no treatment, Duraphat® varnish, and propolis/chitosan varnish. The varnishes were applied to the experimental area and left in place for 4 h. After varnish removal, the specimens were subjected to erosive challenges with Coca-Cola®. The quantitative outcome variables were mineral loss assessed by longitudinal microhardness, surface roughness, and wear profile. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Results: Wear profile and surface roughness analyses showed no significant differences among the groups (p > 0.05). In the microhardness analysis, the control and experimental groups showed significant differences between the control and demineralized areas and between the control and experimental areas (p < 0.05). In the Duraphat group, a significant difference was observed between the control and experimental areas (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The experimental propolis/chitosan varnish was unable to prevent the progression of mineral loss in the enamel of primary teeth subjected to erosive challenge. Duraphat® fluoride varnish was also unable to protect the enamel. Clinical relevance: Several studies have investigated the use of propolis and chitosan in dentistry, and promising results have been reported when these agents are used individually; however, the propolis/chitosan combination remains poorly explored. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate this combination for dental erosion in primary teeth.