Effect of acid erosion followed by remineralization process on microhardness of dental enamel

Present paper presents the results of an experimental study on effect of acid erosion on m crohardness of dental enamel and the influence of remineralization process on restoration of initial hardness properties. Several samples of integer human teeth were treated under certain research protocols, being subjected to acid attack of different beverages and fruits. We found that some beverages and aliments have dramatic effects on dental enamel microhardness. In the case of cola type beverage after 10 days of acid attack (5 min/day) the hardness of the enamel is only 40% from the initial one. Also in the case of lemon, we found a 50% decrease in microhardness of enamel. Red wine has a moderate effect, 25% decrease, and in the case of apple the drop in microhardness is small, aprox. 10%. However, remineralization treatment leads to a restoration in terms of microhardness, after the process the enamel presents a HV at least 75% from initial one. In some cases (red wine, apple) the restoration of microhardness is complete after 10 days of treatment. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.