The influence of vinegars on exposure of dentinal tubules: a SEM evaluation

Abstract

Dentin hypersensitivity is a common painful condition observed in clinics. Dietary habits have been much associated with its development and persistence during and following periodontal treatment. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of vinegars on the removal of smear layer and exposure of dentinal tubules. Extracted human teeth were submitted to manual scaling with Gracey curettes in order to remove the cementum as well as to form a smear layer. Dentin samples with 3 mm(2) were obtained and distributed into six experimental groups: one control and five types of vinegars (alcohol, apple, rice, white wine and balsamic). Each group included two methods of vinegar application: topical and friction. After routine preparation for SEM analysis, photomicrographs were assessed by a calibrated and blind examiner using an appropriate index system. Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant influence of vinegars on smear layer removal. There was a statistically significant difference between groups treated with apple, white and rice vinegars and the control group (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, Mann-Whitney test indicated that removal of smear layer did not vary with the method of application (topical versus friction) for any of the tested substances. We can conclude that the contact of vinegar may remove smear layer and expose dentinal tubules, regardless of the type of application. However, balsamic vinegar was associated with less removal of smear layer after both methods of application.

In vitro evaluation of the effect of natural orange juices on dentin morphology

“…Two methods of application were used in the study: Topical application, to simulate the contact between exposed cervical dentin and acidic drinks; and active application, to check if toothbrushing may enhance the erosive effect of dietary acids. 7,12 In this study, the different types of orange juices tested showed different effects on smear layer removal (Graphs 1, 2). Lime orange (pH 5.27) and lime (pH 5.26) had the highest average rank, similar to that of the control group.…”

“…Fruit juice was applied to the samples by one of the following methods 7,12 : Topical: Samples were immersed in the juice for 5 minutes and washed with a stream of tap water for 15 seconds. Topical with friction: Samples were immersed in the juice for 5 minutes, manually brushed by the same operator with a soft toothbrush (Colgate, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil) for 30 sec-• • onds and washed with a stream of tap water for 15 seconds.…”

“…For SEM analysis (Jeol T330 A, Jeol Ltd., Peabody, MA, USA), the samples were dehydrated in ethanol solutions (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) of increasing concentrations (30, 50, 70, 80, 95 and 100%), dried overnight in a dehydration jar (Corning, São Paulo, SP, Brazil), mounted on metallic stubs (Senai, Araraquara, SP, Brazil) and sputter-coated with gold. Two photomicrographs were obtained from the center of each sample, with magnifications of 750 and 1,500 X, that were subsequently assessed by an examiner previously calibrated and blind to the experimental groups using the index of smear layer removal 7,12 : Score 1 -Complete removal of the smear layer, dentinal tubules open. Score 2 -Partial removal of the smear layer, dentinal tubules partially open.…”

Avaliação in vitro do efeito de soluções de vinagre sobre a microdureza da dentina radicular

“…Other studies evaluated the properties of vinegars on dentin [10,14,15] however, there is no study in the literature evaluating the effect of alcohol and white wine vinegars on microhardness of root dentin.…”

“…Some studies have shown that vinegars are able to remove smear layer and open dentinal tubules, increasing the permeability and decrease the microhardnesss of the most superficial root canal dentin layer [10,14,15]. Zandim et al [15] observed in vitro that alcohol, apple, rice, white wine and balsamic vinegar were able to remove smear layer and exposure of dentinal tubules, of these, the balsamic vinegar was associated with less removal of smear layer.…”