Comparison of the Effect of Simulated Gastric Acid on the Surface Properties of Different Fluoride-Releasing Dental Restorative Materials.

PURPOSE: Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia negatively impact on oral health due to repeated exposure to gastric acid, leading to dental erosion and deterioration of restorative materials. Resin-Modified Glass-Ionomer Cement (RMGIC), Giomers and glass hybrid may offer greater resistance in these adverse environments. This study aimed to compare the effect of simulated gastric acid on the surface properties of different fluoride-releasing composite materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in-vitro experimental study was conducted using disks of RMGIC (Gold Label Light-Cured Universal Restorative; G1_GLLC), Giomer (Beautifil II; G2_BFII), and glass hybrid (EQUIA Forte Fil; G3_EF), prepared according to manufacturers' instructions. Surface roughness, fluoride release and solubility were evaluated before and after 18 h of immersion in simulated gastric acid. Additionally, surface morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Student's t-test (p 0.05). RESULTS: G1_GLLC exhibited the highest increase in surface roughness after immersion (0.38 ± 0.25 µm), while G2_BFII demonstrated lower changes in surface roughness (0.17 ± 0.16 µm) and the lowest fluoride release (0.001 ppm) and solubility (0.93%). G3_EF showed the highest solubility (5.50%), indicating greater susceptibility to acidic environments. CONCLUSION: The surface roughness, fluoride release, and solubility of all tested materials were affected by simulated gastric acid. Giomer (G2_BFII) proved to be a suitable alternative in a highly acidic oral environment, as it remains stable and releases fluoride under acidic conditions compared to RMGIC (G1_GLLC) and glass hybrid (G3_EF).