Effect of experimental solution and varnish containing Titanium Tetrafluoride (TiF4) on prevention of tooth erosion: an animal model

• Grant number: 19/21801-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: January 01, 2021
• End date: March 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Ana Carolina Magalhães
• Grantee: Mariele Vertuan
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Although previous in vitro and in situ studies have shown that TiF4/NaF solution (daily application) and TiF4 varnish (single application) can reduce tooth enamel erosion, no in vivo studies have been performed to confirm their protective role. Thus, the objectives of this study are: 1 - to develop an animal model that can facilitate understanding the development of erosive tooth wear; 2 - to evaluate the role of TiF4 in two presentations (one home-care and one professional) on the prevention of erosive tooth wear and 3 - to evaluate possible toxic effect of both formulations on gum tissue. For this, one hundred and twenty male Wistar rats will be divided into six groups: 1 - experimental TiF4 varnish (2.45% F-, pH 1); 2 - NaF varnish (2.45% F-, pH 5); 3 - placebo varnish (pH 5); 4 - experimental TiF4/NaF solution (500 ppm F-, pH 4.4); 5 - Elmex® Erosion Protection solution (AmF/NaF/SnCl2 - 500 ppm F- and 800 ppm Sn2+, pH 4.5) and 6 - water. Of the 20 mice per group, 10 will be subjected to erosive challenges and the other 10 mice will receive water instead of an erosive agent. The varnishes will be applied at once, while the solutions will be applied 1x per day, in both cases on all teeth. The rats from the "erosion" subgroup will receive a degassed beverage (Sprite®), while the "control" rats will receive tap water, both ad libitum. After an experimental period of 28 days, the rats will be sacrificed and the mandibles will be dissected for clinical evaluation. Clinical examination and a computerized microtomograph (micro-CT) analysis will be performed to determine the degree of erosive tooth wear. To evaluate the effect of TiF4 on the oral mucosa, the gums will be collected around the molars of each animal for histological analysis. Representative molar samples by group will be selected for SEM morphological evaluation and EDX microanalysis. The data will be submitted to appropriate statistical analysis (two or three criteria ANOVA and X2 test, p<0.05). (AU)