Experimental toothpastes containing β-TCP nanoparticles functionalized with fluoride and tin to prevent Erosive Tooth Wear

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to synthesize toothpastes containing Beta- TriCalcium Phosphate (β-TCP) nanoparticles, functionalized with fluoride and tin, and test their ability to reduce erosive tooth wear (ETW). Methods: Toothpastes were synthesized with the following active ingredients: 1100 ppm of fluoride (as sodium fluoride, F−), 3500 ppm of tin (as stannous chloride, Sn2+), and 800 ppm of β-TCP (Sizes a – 20 nm; and b – 100 nm). Enamel specimens were randomly assigned into the following groups (n = 10): 1. Commercial toothpaste; 2. Placebo; 3 F−; 4. F− + β-TCPa; 5. F− + β-TCPb; 6. F− + Sn2+; 7. F− + Sn2+ + β-TCPa and 8. F− + Sn2+ + β-TCPb. Specimens were subjected to erosion-abrasion cycling. Surface loss (in µm) was measured by optical profilometry. Toothpastes pH and available F− were also assessed. Results: Brushing with placebo toothpaste resulted in higher surface loss than brushing with F− (p = 0.005) and F− + β-TCPb (p = 0.007); however, there was no difference between F− and F− + β-TCPb (p = 1.00). Commercial toothpaste showed no difference from Placebo (p = 0.279). The groups F−, F− + β-TCPa, F− + β-TCPb, F− + Sn2+, F− + Sn2+ + β-TCPa and F− + Sn2+ + β-TCPb were not different from the commercial toothpaste (p > 0.05). Overall, the addition of β-TCP reduced the amount of available fluoride in the experimental toothpastes. The pH of toothpastes ranged from 4.97 to 6.49. Conclusions: Although toothpaste containing β-TCP nanoparticles protected enamel against dental erosion-abrasion, this effect was not superior to the standard fluoride toothpaste (commercial). In addition, the functionalization of β-TCP nanoparticles with fluoride and tin did not enhance their protective effect. Clinical Significance: Although β-TCP nanoparticles have some potential to control Erosive Tooth Wear, their incorporation into an experimental toothpaste appears to have a protective effect that is similar to a commercial fluoride toothpaste.