TiF4 and NaF at pH 1.2 but not at pH 3.5 are able to reduce dentin erosion

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyse and compare the protective effect of buffered (pH 3.5) and native (pH 1.2) TiF4 in comparison to NaF solutions of same pH on dentin erosion.DesignBovine samples were pretreated with 1.50% TiF4 or 2.02% NaF (both 0.48 M F) solutions, each with a pH of 1.2 and 3.5. The control group received no fluoride pretreatment. Ten samples in each group were eroded with HCl (pH 2.6) for 10 × 60 s. Erosion was analysed by determination of calcium release into the acid. Additionally, the surface and the elemental surface composition were examined by scanning electron microscopy (two samples in each group) and X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy in fluoridated but not eroded samples (six samples in each group). Cumulative calcium release (nmol/mm2) was statistically analysed by repeated measures ANOVA and one-way ANOVA at t = 10 min.ResultsTiF4 and NaF at pH 1.2 decreased calcium release significantly, while TiF4 and NaF at pH 3.5 were not effective. Samples treated with TiF4 at pH 1.2 showed a significant increase of Ti, while NaF pretreatment increased F concentration significantly. TiF4 at pH 1.2 led to the formation of globular precipitates occluding dentinal tubules, which could not be observed on samples treated with TiF4 at pH 3.5. NaF at pH 1.2 but not at pH 3.5 induced the formation of surface precipitates covering dentinal tubules.ConclusionDentin erosion can be significantly reduced by TiF4 and NaF at pH 1.2, but not at pH 3.5.