Silicon-enriched hydroxyapatite formed induced by REFIX-based toothpaste on the enamel surface

Objective: This in vitro study aimed at characterizing the mineral content and filler particle morphology of a fluoridatedtoothpaste containing REFIX technology enamel surface treatedwith this product. Material Methods: Bovine blocks (n=5) were obtained (4×4×6 mm), demineralized(artificial caries lesion), treated (pH cycling brushing with toothpaste). During pH cycling, which lastedfor 7 days (demineralization remineralization took 6 h 18 h, respectively), was brushed for 5 minusing an electric toothbrush before being immersed solution. We evaluated micromorphologyand elemental levels (wt%) ions present toothpaste on layer formed over following thetreatment. The assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). analyseswere performed energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Results: Scanning micrographs thetoothpaste demonstrated uniform size distribution regular-shaped fillers sparsely organized nanoclusters. Elemental analysis toothpaste’s formulation presence Si (silicon), Na (sodium), P (phosphorus), F (fluorine), among others. also detected that had surface; consistent thickness ~14 µm. Conclusion: Based results, it can be stated modifies subsurface structure, forming Si-rich layer. KEYWORDSDental enamel; Dentifrice; microscopy; Tooth remineralization.