Effect of an experimental 4% titanium tetrafluoride varnish on dental erosion by a soft drink

Objectives This in vitro study assessed the effect of an experimental 4%TiF4 varnish on enamel erosion. Methods Sixty bovine enamel blocks were randomly allocated to each type of varnish: Duraphat®-D (NaF, 2.26%F), Duofluorid®-F (NaF, 2.71% F), TiF4-T (2.45%F) and no-fluoride-P. After application of the varnishes, the blocks were subjected to six sequential pH cycles (cola drink for 10 min and artificial saliva for 50 min, each) per day, during 4 days. After the pH cycles, the blocks were maintained in artificial saliva for 18 h. Enamel alterations were determined in the 2nd and 4th days, using profilometry (wear) and microhardness (%SMHC) tests. Data were tested using ANOVA and Tukeyʹs tests (p < 0.05). Results The mean %SMHC (±S.D.) at the 2nd and 4th day was, respectively, D (−77.26 ± 5.04a and −88.59 ± 5.11A), F (−76.79 ± 7.82a and −88.78 ± 6.10A), T (−88.28 ± 3.19b and −92.04 ± 2.54A,B) and P (−87.96 ± 2.23b and −94.15 ± 1.14B). The mean wear (μm ± S.D.) at the 2nd and 4th day was, respectively, D (3.16 ± 0.32a and 7.56 ± 0.90A), F (3.35 ± 0.78a,b and 7.92 ± 0.98A), T (3.81 ± 0.43b and 7.69 ± 0.76A) and P (3.43 ± 1.13a,b and 7.31 ± 0.53A). Conclusions The NaF varnishes reduced the softening, but had no effect on the reduction of the wear. The TiF4 varnish was not able to reduce the softening and wear.