Evaluation of the association of Aminomethacrylate polymer with fluorides on the tooth surface: In vitro and in situ randomized crossover study

• Grant number: 24/17754-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Alessandra Buhler Borges
• Grantee: Taiana Paola Prado Wrzesinski
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The frequency of individuals, especially children and adolescents, presenting dental erosion has significantly increased in recent years. Over time, this condition may lead to severe tissue loss, exposing dentin and causing pain, function, and aesthetic compromises, which can negatively affect quality of life. The multifactorial etiology behind erosive wear complicates prevention and treatment. Preventive strategies focusing on fluoride use have limitations. Hence, bioadhesive polymers aimed at forming protective surface films and enhancing the substantivity of fluoride compounds are being investigated, with promising results seen in prior studies with Aminomethacrylate copolymer. Consequently, this research aims to further understand and characterize the preventive mechanism of such solutions, focusing on their protective effect against erosive wear. Solutions containing Aminomethacrylate copolymer (AMC 2%) and/or Sodium Fluoride (NaF - 225 ppm F-) will be assessed on dental surfaces, alongside ultrapure water (negative control) and Elmex Erosion Protection Dental Rinse (500 ppm F- + 800 ppm Sn+2) as a positive control. This project comprises two studies. The first in vitro study will assess the surface energy of bovine enamel and dentin specimens via goniometry (n=5/group) post-treatment with experimental solutions. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy will also characterize the formation of protective films on these specimens. The second study is a randomized, crossover in situ model that will measure the protective potential of the experimental solutions on enamel and dentin against erosive/abrasive challenges. In each phase, twelve preselected volunteers will use an intraoral device containing six bovine tooth specimens (three enamel, three dentin) subjected to erosion, abrasion, and remineralization cycles over five days. Each day will involve two 1-minute treatments with experimental solutions, followed by 15 seconds of abrasion through brushing. Erosive challenges will be performed with 0.3% citric acid (pH 2.6 - 5x/day for 5 min). Initial erosion will be assessed via microhardness testing on the first day of cycling (measured after both acid challenges). After completing the cycling process, specimens will be removed, and surface loss (in ¿m) will be analyzed by contact profilometry. The formation of KOH-soluble fluoride compounds on enamel and dentin surfaces (¿g/cm²) will be measured using a fluoride-specific ion electrode. Data will be statistically analyzed according to normality tests, with a significance level set at 5%. (AU)