Anti-erosive effect of solutions containing different polymers

Erosive wear has been recognized as a frequent condition in recent years, mainly due to changes in the dietary and behavioral habits of the general population. Considering the irreversible nature of this condition, early diagnosis and the adoption of preventive measures are very important. Among them, the addition of polymers to oral care products associated or not with fluorides is a promising alternative, as some polymers have compatibility with dental structures and ability to form a protective film. This study was subdivided into three articles that aimed, through different approaches, to investigate the anti-erosive effect of filmforming polymers, as well as the effect of their association with fluorides. The first article consisted of a literature review about aspects related to the potential use of polymers to prevent dental erosion. The second article consisted of a scanning study to verify the ability to decrease the hydroxyapatite dissolution promoted by solutions containing four polymers (polyoxyrane, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, pectin and a polymethacrylate copolymer) associated or not with sodium fluoride -F (225 ppm F- ) and sodium fluoride + tin chloride (800 ppm Sn2+ ) -FS. Measurement of the zeta potential of dispersed hydroxyapatite treated with experimental solutions was performed to complement the analysis. The third article consisted of an erosive/rehardening cycling study in the presence of acquired pellicle that aimed to investigate remineralization potential, protection potential, surface loss and surface tension of the enamel after treatment with solutions containing the polymethacrylate. It was concluded that the use of filmforming polymers, associated or not with fluorides, is a promising approach for the prevention of dental erosion. Among the polymers investigated, the polymethacrylate copolymer is a promising agent to be added to oral hygiene products to prevent erosive wear. (AU)