title: In situ mineral loss inhibition by CO2 laser and fluoride.
abstract: Laser and fluoride treatments have been shown to inhibit enamel demineralization in the laboratory. However, the intra-oral effects of this association have not been tested. This study assessed in situ the effect of a Transversely Excited Atmospheric CO2 laser (lambda = 9.6 mum) and the use of pressure fluoridated dentifrice on enamel demineralization. During two 14-day phases, 17 volunteers wore palatal appliances containing human enamel slabs assigned to treatment groups, as follows: (1) non-fluoride dentifrice, (2) CO2 laser irradiation plus non-fluoride dentifrice, (3) fluoride dentifrice, and (4) CO2 laser irradiation plus fluoride dentifrice. A 20% sucrose solution was dripped onto the slabs 8 times per day. The specimens treated with laser and/or fluoridated dentifrice presented a significantly lower mineral loss when compared with those from the non-fluoride dentifrice group. The results suggested that CO2 laser treatment of enamel inhibits demineralization in the human mouth, being more effective when associated with fluoride.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
authors.forename: L K A
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nobre Dos Santos
authors.forename: J D B
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Featherstone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D003802:Dentifrices; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D012969:Sodium Fluoride