A model to investigate xerostomia-related dental caries.
The aim of this study was to develop an in vivo model in which onset, progression, and prevention of xerostomia-related dental caries can be studied. The progress of the caries process was investigated on ground and polished human enamel blocks placed in the lower denture of 7 edentulous subjects suffering from xerostomia. During a period of 6 weeks the samples were analyzed at weekly intervals by means of scanning optical monitoring, scanning longitudinal microradiography, scanning electron microscopy, and hardness measurements. Although the indentation length increased significantly within 2 weeks, no demineralization could be yet observed with scanning optical monitoring, longitudinal microradiography, and electron microscopy in most samples. Starting from the 3rd week a progressive demineralization could be observed by all methods. The mineral loss (hydroxyapatite) in the 3rd week was 0.0126 kg.m-2 (median) which increased to 0.0761 kg.m-2 after 6 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy showed a destruction which resembled that of natural xerostomia-related dental caries. From this study it may be concluded that the in vivo model developed is suitable for studying onset, progression, and prevention of xerostomia-related dental caries.
Jansma
J
J
Rotterdam Radiotherapeutic Institute, The Netherlands.
Vissink
A
A
Gravenmade
E J
EJ
de Josselin de Jong
E
E
Jongebloed
W L
WL
Retief
D H
DH
D000368:Aged; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000032:analysis; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008852:Microradiography; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology
D005459:Fluorides