Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry study of the protective effects of fluoride varnish and gel on enamel erosion.

Background: Dental erosion is a risk factor for dental health, introduced by today's lifestyle. Topical fluoride applications in the form of varnishes and gel may lead to deposition of fluoride on enamel.

Purpose: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of two fluoride varnishes and one fluoride gel on the dissolution of bovine enamel by acids.

AFM characterization of bovine enamel and dentine after acid-etching.

Teeth are constituted mainly of hydroxyapatite molecules (Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)(OH)(2)), grouped in different microstructural arrangements, depending on the dental layer considered (enamel or dentine). In the present work, these dental microstructural arrangements were characterized by atomic force microscopy. Enamel and dentine samples were cut from freshly extracted bovine incisor teeth.