How does fluoride affect dentin microhardness and mineralization?
Fluoride (F) has been a useful instrument in caries prevention. However, only limited data exist on the effect of its long-term use on dentin mineralization patterns and microhardness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of tooth F concentration ([F]) and dental fluorosis (DF) severity on dentin microhardness and mineralization. We collected 137 teeth in Montreal and Toronto, Canada, and Fortaleza, Brazil, where optimum or suboptimum levels of water F were 0.2 ppm, 1 ppm, and 0.7 ppm, respectively. Teeth were analyzed for DF severity, dentin [F], enamel [F], dentin microhardness, and dentin mineralization. Dentin [F] correlated with DF severity; enamel [F] correlated with dentin microhardness and dentin mineralization; DF severity correlated with dentin microhardness. Genetic factors (e.g., DF severity) and environmental factors (e.g., tooth [F]) influenced the mechanical properties (microhardness) of the teeth, while only the environmental factors influenced their material properties (e.g., mineralization). Fortaleza teeth were harder and less mineralized and presented higher dentin [F] values. Montreal teeth presented lower levels of DF when compared with both Toronto and Fortaleza teeth.
Vieira
A
A
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto;
Hancock
R
R
Dumitriu
M
M
Schwartz
M
M
Limeback
H
H
Grynpas
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D003804:Dentin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000473:pathology*; D006244:Hardness / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008437:Maxilla; D008964:Molar, Third; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014074:Tooth Calcification / Q000187:drug effects*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005459:Fluorides