Hydroxyapatite toothpaste and orange juice

Effect of a Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste on Enamel Erosive Lesions of Third Molars Induced by Exposure to Orange Juice

Effect of a Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste on Enamel Erosive Lesions of Third Molars Induced by Exposure to Orange Juice

Published In: Contemporary Clinical Dentistry
Publication Year: 2024

Study Design

This study was an in vitro experimental study examining the effect of a nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) toothpaste on enamel erosive lesions caused by orange juice exposure.

Funding Sources

The study does not list any specific funding sources or conflicts of interest.

PICO Framework - What Was Studied and How?

Population:

  • Extracted third molars with no caries, cracks, or enamel hypoplasia.

Intervention:

  • Application of nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste (Pharmed) for 10 minutes daily after exposure to orange juice for 7 days.

Comparison:

  • 1.23% sodium fluoride gel.
  • Artificial saliva (control group).

Outcomes:

  • Enamel microhardness changes, assessed using a Vickers microhardness tester.
  • Statistical comparison of microhardness between groups before and after treatment.

In Paragraph Form:
This study evaluated the effects of nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste on enamel erosion caused by orange juice. Extracted third molars were exposed to orange juice daily for 7 days and treated with either nano-HA toothpaste, fluoride gel, or artificial saliva. The study measured changes in enamel microhardness to assess remineralization efficacy.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Extracted third molars with no caries, enamel cracks, or hypoplasia.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Teeth with structural defects or prior erosion.

Demographics and Study Design

  • Total sample size: 24 extracted third molars.
  • Intervention group: 8 teeth treated with nano-HA toothpaste.
  • Comparison groups:
    • 8 teeth treated with fluoride gel.
    • 8 teeth treated with artificial saliva.
  • Teeth were exposed to orange juice (pH 3.4) for 5 minutes daily for 7 days before treatment.

Primary Outcome Variables and Results

Outcome: Enamel Microhardness (Vickers Hardness Number, VHN)

Group Baseline VHN (Mean ± SD) Post-Treatment VHN (Mean ± SD) p-value
Nano-HA Toothpaste 391.08 ± 59.8 337.03 ± 50.92 0.132
Fluoride Gel 346.99 ± 40.05 234.70 ± 44.17 0.002
Artificial Saliva 370.37 ± 62.74 234.85 ± 29.41 0.000

Key Statistical Findings:

  • Nano-HA toothpaste prevented significant enamel microhardness loss compared to fluoride and artificial saliva.
  • Fluoride gel and artificial saliva showed significant reductions in microhardness (p = 0.002 and p = 0.000, respectively).
  • Post-treatment, nano-HA treated teeth had significantly higher microhardness than other groups (p < 0.05).
  • No significant difference between fluoride gel and artificial saliva groups (p = 1.00).

Conclusions

The study concluded that nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste effectively prevents enamel erosion from orange juice exposure. It demonstrated superior remineralization potential compared to fluoride gel and artificial saliva.

Discussion: Strengths and Limitations

Strengths:

  • Controlled in vitro design allowing precise measurement of enamel hardness.
  • Use of a clinically relevant acidic challenge (orange juice).
  • Direct comparison with fluoride and artificial saliva.

Limitations:

  • In vitro setting: Results may not fully translate to real-life oral conditions.
  • Short study duration: Only 7 days of intervention were tested.
  • Lack of electron microscopy analysis: Microscopic changes to enamel structure were not evaluated.

Citation

Mehrjoo M, Haghgoo R, Ahmadvand M. Effect of a nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste on enamel erosive lesions of third molars induced by exposure to orange juice. Contemp Clin Dent. 2024;15:17-21. PubMed Link

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