Studies on a novel combination polymer system: in vitro erosion prevention and promotion of fluoride uptake in human enamel.

Objectives: Firstly, determine the effect of pre-treating sound human enamel with a hydrosoluble combination polymer system (TriHydra™) comprising 0.20% carboxymethylcellulose, 0.010% xanthan gum and 0.

An in vitro evaluation of a novel high fluoride daily mouthrinse using a combination of microindentation, 3D profilometry and DSIMS.

Objectives: Firstly, to evaluate the in vitro anti-erosion efficacy of a new mouthrinse formulation containing 450 ppm fluoride using profilometry and microindentation. Secondly, to compare fluoride uptake by erosive lesions from two mouthrinses containing different fluoride sources using dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (DSIMS).

Methods: Sound human enamel was treated (60s) with mouthrinses containing different fluoride concentrations, then immersed in 1.

Review of the use of polymers in saliva substitutes for symptomatic relief of xerostomia.

It is clear from the many clinical studies carried out on currently available saliva substitutes, that the main factors limiting the success of polymers in treating xerostomia is their short duration of action and/or their lack of acceptability by users. The most effective formulations for severe sufferers of xerostomia contain relatively viscous, thixotropic polymers, which mild to moderate sufferers in particular tend to dislike. Relief can also be extended by increasing concentrations of non-thixotropic polymers; however, this also has to be balanced by the decrease in palatability resulting from higher polymer levels.

Co-operative mineralization and protein self-assembly in amelogenesis: silica mineralization and assembly of recombinant amelogenins in vitro.

An amorphous silica mineralization technique was used to produce inorganic/protein composites to elucidate the structure and mechanism of formation of amelogenin assemblies, which may play an important role in regulating enamel structure during the initial stages of amelogenesis. Full-length recombinant amelogenins from mouse (rM179) and pig (rP172) were investigated along with key degradation products (rM166 and native P148) lacking the hydrophilic C terminus found in parent molecules. The resulting products were examined using transmission electron microscopy and/or small-angle X-ray scattering.