[The effect of Galla chinensis on the demineralization of enamel].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of Galla Chinensis with or without fluoride on demineralization of enamel.


METHODS
Galla Chinensis with or without fluoride and acid buffer were used to treat the samples alternately and the treatment was repeated 8 times. Then the calcium of acid buffer was measured by American PE HTS 7000 plus and the specimens were observed with laser scanning confocal microscope.


RESULTS
Compared with the calcium concentration of control group (deionized water or fluoride), the calcium concentration of all tested groups (except the 1 mg/ml group without fluoride) decreased significantly (P < 0.25). There was marked difference in total fluorescence (TF) and average fluorescence (AF) between the tested groups and control group (P < 0.05). As for the area of lesion, only groups without fluoride and the 4 mg/ml group containing fluoride decreased (P < 0.01). Confocal images showed that the zone of red area of tested groups was narrower than that of control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Galla Chinensis can reinforce the resistance of enamel to acid, either with or without fluoride.
Liu
Zhaohui
Z
West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Liu
Tianjia
T
Li
Jiyao
J
Zhou
Xuedong
X
Zhang
Jingyi
J
D003731:Dental Caries / Q000378:metabolism*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000378:metabolism*
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D005459:Fluorides