Abstract:

To study the effect of fluoride against erosion of soft drinks on enamel surface of primary teeth.  Methods154 pieces of enamel were selected from  retained  human primary teeth and randomly divided into 5groups. After respectively being treated with 0.1%NaF solution, fluoride protector and Bifluorid 12 for 7days, they were immersed at intervals in some beverage for 15 min each time, 5 times per day, for 7days. The SMH and calcium content of all enamel specimens were measured before and after experiments. The data of each enamel slab were analyzed by a repeated measure analysis of variance and Dunn T test. Morphological changes of enamel surface were observed by SEM (scanning electron microscope). ResultsThe SMH and calcium content of enamel slabs obviously decreased after exposure to the beverage. Differences between those treated and nontreated with fluoride was  statistically significant(P<0.001). The Bifluorid 12 and fluoride protector showed a more significant effect than NaF(P<0.05). The loss of gloss, irregular loss of dental tissues and solubilization of enamel primes in variable degrees among experimental groups were found by SEM. After the enamel was treated with fluoride, erosive lesions were less severe. ConclusionSoft drinks have significant erosive effects on enamel of primary teeth. The treatment of enamel with topical fluoride can enhance the resistance of enamel to erosion of soft drinks. This study recommends that Bifluorid 12 and fluoride protector are more efficacious fluorides.

Key words: Soft drink; Surface microhardness; Calcium content; Fluorides