Feasibility of using sodium bicarbonate solution as a damage-limiting strategy for erosion lesions.
OBJECTIVE
One of the recommended measures to prevent and control dental erosion is the oral rinse with sodium bicarbonate solution, which would neutralise the dietary acids. However, the prescription of this aqueous suspension has been made on an empirical basis. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate whether the demineralisation caused by erosive episodes could be controlled by the potential neutralising effect exerted by a sodium bicarbonate solution.


METHODS
Bovine enamel slabs were embedded in epoxy resin, ground/polished and tested for initial surface microhardness. Twice daily for 2 days, specimens were subjected to an erosive challenge with orange juice in an orbital shaker. Following each erosive episode, specimens (n = 15) were immersed for either 30 or 60 seconds in a sodium bicarbonate solution or deionised water. The negative control group was left untreated. For the remaining daily time, specimens were kept in artificial saliva. New microhardness indentations were then made as described for the initial measurements.


RESULTS
ANOVA applied to the percentage of surface microhardness change (%deltaSMH) showed no statistically significant difference among treatments (P = 0.5810).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of sodium bicarbonate solution, at least under in vitro conditions, may not be a feasible strategy for managing enamel erosion.
Messias
Danielle Cristine Furtado
DC
Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. do Café, s/n, Monte Alegre, CEP 14040-904 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Martins
Mara Eliza Nogueria
ME
Serra
Mônica Campos
MC
Turssi
Cecilia Pedroso
CP
D000818:Animals; D001628:Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects; D002021:Buffers; D002417:Cattle; D032084:Citrus sinensis / Q000009:adverse effects; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006244:Hardness; D008422:Materials Testing; D012464:Saliva, Artificial / Q000737:chemistry; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D002021:Buffers; D012464:Saliva, Artificial; D014867:Water; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate