Asthma inhalers and subsurface enamel demineralisation: an in situ pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this pilot study was to identify the subsurface enamel demineralising potential of two possible acidogenic lactose-based powders and their corresponding generic pump inhalers.


METHODS
Ten healthy non-asthmatic adults participated in a 5- leg randomised crossover study including a 10% sucrose control. A twice-daily 400 microg dose of inhaler was applied in vitro to a demineralised enamel slab on the buccal flange of a mandibular removable appliance before in situ placement for 14 days each. Lesion parameters were determined using transverse microradiography and digitised image analysis.


RESULTS
Minimal demineralisation occurred with sucrose, both pump and one powder inhaler. The remaining powder was associated with remineralisation (p = 0.29). Overall, mean lesion depth increased (p = 0.12).


CONCLUSIONS
Asthma inhalers failed to demonstrate a significant acidogenic/cariogenic effect.
Tootla
R
R
Dept. Paediatric Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, England.
Kotru
G
G
Connolly
M A
MA
Duggal
M S
MS
Toumba
K J
KJ
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000730:Androstadienes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001507:Beclomethasone; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000068297:Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; D006801:Humans; D006889:Hydroxycorticosteroids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008852:Microradiography; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000209:etiology*
D000730:Androstadienes; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000068297:Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; D006889:Hydroxycorticosteroids; D001507:Beclomethasone; D000420:Albuterol