| Summary: | The effect of trace elements such as fluoride on multi-factorial tooth wear is poorly understood. This study examined the role of varying fluoride compounds and products in multi-factorial tooth wear models. Dedicated software for surface profile measurement of dental hard tissues using white light confocal profilometry was developed and a measurement uncertainty evaluation completed. Microhardness techniques were validated and the remineralisation protocol developed. Human teeth were donated in line with research ethics and enamel and dentine samples were prepared. A series of three distinct experiments involving varying fluoride preparations and concentrations were completed. Firstly, the effect of an aqueous sodium fluoride solution of increasing concentration on citric acid erosion and attrition of enamel and dentine was investigated. 5000 ppm and 19000 ppm sodium fluoride solutions significantly reduced enamel loss versus control after 15 cycles of erosion-attrition, however no other groups showed significant differences. Secondly, the effect of a single application of highly concentrated sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride and titanium fluoride solutions and a sodium fluoride/calcium fluoride varnish on hydrochloric acid erosion and tooth brush abrasion of enamel was investigated. The titanium fluoride solution and the sodium/calcium fluoride varnish reduced enamel loss significantly after erosion, however, in the erosion-abrasion protocol only the sodium fluoride solution and the sodium/calcium fluoride varnish showed a statistically significant reduction in enamel loss after 15 cycles. Chemical and ultra-structural analyses supported these findings. Finally, the effect of a single application of two highly concentrated sodium fluoride varnishes and a fluoride-free self-etch adhesive on citric acid erosion and attrition of enamel was investigated. Both fluoride varnishes resulted in statistically significant reductions of enamel loss versus the self-etch adhesive and the negative control, at all stages of the study. Overall, these studies showed potential for highly concentrated fluoride preparations to provide protection against erosionabrasion and erosion-attrition in vitro.
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