title: Effect of low-fluoride toothpastes combined with hexametaphosphate on in vitro enamel demineralization.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticaries effect of low-fluoride toothpastes combined with hexametaphosphate (HMP) on enamel demineralization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Bovine enamel blocks were subjected to pH cycling and treatment with toothpaste's slurries (15 groups; 2×/day). Toothpaste mixtures contained the following: no fluoride (F) plus HMP (from 0 to 3.0%); 250ppm F plus HMP (from 0 to 3.0%); 500ppm F; 1100ppm F; and a commercial toothpaste (1100ppm F). After pH cycling, surface and cross-sectional hardness, as well as F present in the enamel were determined. The demineralization depth was analyzed using polarized light microscopy. The variables were subjected to 1-way ANOVA, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls' test (p<0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the absence of fluoride, 0.5% HMP promoted the lowest mineral loss and its effect was similar to that of a 250ppm F toothpaste (p>0.05). The combination of 0.5% HMP and 250ppm F resulted in lower mineral loss (p<0.05) and similar lesion depth when compared to the 1100ppm F toothpaste (p>0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To conclude, the combination of 0.5% HMP and 250ppm fluoride in a toothpaste has a similar inhibitory effect on enamel demineralization in vitro when compared to a toothpaste containing 1100ppm F.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The anticaries effect of toothpaste containing 250ppm F combined with 0.5% HMP was similar to that of a 1100ppm F toothpaste, despite the 4-fold difference in F concentration. Although such effects still need to be demonstrated in clinical studies, it may be a viable alternative for preschool children.
authors: Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health, Araçatuba Dental School, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Danielle Mendes
authors: DM
authors: da Camara
authors: Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health, Araçatuba Dental School, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Marcela Lumi
authors: ML
authors: Miyasaki
authors: Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health, Araçatuba Dental School, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Marcelle
authors: M
authors: Danelon
authors: Department of Basic Sciences, Araçatuba Dental School, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors: Kikue Takebayashi
authors: KT
authors: Sassaki
authors: Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Public Health, Araçatuba Dental School, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: adelbem@foa.unesp.br.
authors: Alberto Carlos Botazzo
authors: AC
authors: Delbem
mesh_terms: D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; D000818:Animals; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D002417:Cattle; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D006244:Hardness; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008422:Materials Testing; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011897:Random Allocation; D013696:Temperature; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D008903:Minerals; D010710:Phosphates; D014100:Toothpastes; C005035:hexametaphosphate; D005459:Fluorides
keywords: Demineralization; Dental enamel; Fluoride; Phosphates; Toothpaste; pH cycling