The Protective Effect of the Experimental TiF4 and Chitosan Toothpaste on Erosive Tooth Wear in Vitro

Abstract This study evaluated the protective effect of an TiF4 and chitosan toothpaste on erosive tooth wear (ETW) in vitro. Bovine samples were randomly assigned to toothpastes (n=12): 1) TiF4 (1400 ppm F−), 2) 0.5%. chitosan (75% deacetylation, 500 mPas), 3) TiF4 (1400 ppm F−) plus 0.5%. chitosan (75% deacetylation, 500 mPas), 4) Placebo, 5) Erosion Protection (Elmex® - GABA, Suíça, 1400 ppm F−). Twelve samples were only eroded. All samples were submitted to erosive pH cycles and the groups 1-5 to abrasive challenges using toothpastes’ slurries plus 45 s of treatment, for 7 days. The final profile was overlaid to the baseline one for the ETW calculation (µm). The data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn tests. TiF4 toothpastes, regardless of the presence of chitosan, were able to significantly reduce ETW compared to placebo, while chitosan alone was similar to placebo for both tissues. The toothpastes containing TiF4 were even superior to the commercial Elmex® toothpaste on enamel wear, which were also significantly different from placebo. TiF4 and Elmex® toothpastes minimized the impact of brushing on eroded surface compared to the other groups. In conclusion, TiF4 toothpastes, regardless the presence of chitosan, showed to be effective in minimizing ETW in vitro.