Tooth wear prevention: a quantitative and qualitative in vitro study.
BACKGROUND
Management of tooth wear from grinding presents a significant clinical challenge. Acrylic nightguards are often used to protect the teeth, but many patients still grind with these appliances. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of three lubricants in reducing enamel wear by using an electro-mechanical machine under controlled conditions, with a view to undertaking a subsequent longitudinal clinical study.


METHODS
Sectioned tooth specimens were worn against each other under different loads and with the addition of three different lubricants: calcium fluoride (CaF) powder, olive-oil, and a combination of calcium fluoride with olive-oil in the form of a slurry. Wear rates of enamel only were quantified by weighing the specimens, and resin replicas of the worn tooth surfaces were made for examination under a scanning electron microscope.


RESULTS
All three lubricants reduced the amount of enamel wear significantly compared with wearing specimens without adding lubricants. Wear rate was influenced by the type of lubricant and the load applied. Wear rates were significantly less for olive-oil and the olive-oil/CaF slurry compared with CaF alone. The microwear detail differed between the three lubricants.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown that enamel wear can be reduced using dry or wet lubricants between opposing teeth that are worn under controlled conditions. Further research is required to clarify their possible clinical applications.
Kaidonis
J A
JA
Dental School, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia. john.kaidonis@adelaide.edu.au
Gratiaen
J
J
Bhatia
N
N
Richards
L C
LC
Townsend
G C
GC
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002124:Calcium Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008153:Lubrication; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011208:Powders; D016628:Replica Techniques; D019217:Tooth Attrition / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016474:Weight-Bearing
D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils; D011208:Powders; D002124:Calcium Fluoride