The Effects of Acid Erosion and Remineralization on Enamel and Three Different Dental Materials: FT-Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis

Objectives: FT-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to test the hypothesis that the beverage consumption or mouthwash utilization would change the chemistry of dental materials and enamel inorganic content. Material and Methods: Bovine enamel samples (n=36) each received two cavity preparations (n=72), each pair filled with one of three dental materials (R: nanofilled composite resin, GIC: glass-ionomer cement, RMGIC: resin-modified GIC). Furthermore, they were treated with three different solutions (S: artificial saliva, E: erosion/Pepsi Twist or EM: erosion-mouthwash/Colgate Plax). Results: Reduction of carbonate content of enamel was greater in RE than RS (P<0.01). Increment of carbonate was greater in GICEM than in GICE and GICS (P<0.01; P<0.001). Significant material degradation was found in RE, REM, GICE, and GICEM than in RS and GICS (P<0.01; P<0.001). SEM showed clear enamel demineralization after erosion. Material degradation was greater after E and EM than S. GIC and RMGIC materials had a positive effect against acid erosion in the adjacent enamel after remineralization with mouthwash. Conclusions: The beverage and mouthwash utilization would change R and GIC chemical properties. Clinical Relevance: A professional should periodically monitor the glass-ionomer and resin restorations, as they degrade over time under erosive challenges and mouthwash utilization. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.