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.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kuroiwa et al. (2009) studied this question.