Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the susceptibility of partially desalivated rats to erosive tooth wear (ETW); the anti-erosive effect of a calcium-supplemented beverage; and the quantification of ETW by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT).
Methods: The study population consisted of thirty-eight rats, divided into partially desalivated (n=19) and normal salivary flow (n=19). They were randomly allocated into three subgroups (n=6-7): A-diet soda, B-diet soda+calcium, C-water (control). Solutions were provided ad libitum for 28days, and the rats were euthanized afterwards. Each left hemi-mandible was scanned using micro-CT for enamel volume (three molars) calculation. Visual analysis of photographs of the lingual surface of first molars was performed independently by three blinded examiners. Data were statistically analysed (alpha=.05).
Results: Micro-CT revealed no significant differences between partially desalivated or normal groups. Rats consuming A had more enamel loss than those consuming B or C, which did not differ from each other. For visual analysis, desalivation did not affect ETW. Rats consuming C showed the lowest ETW, followed by B and then A, for both partially desalivated and normal rats. Spearman correlation between the two ETW quantification methods was -.65.
Conclusions: Partial desalivation did not increase ETW. Ca-containing beverage prevented ETW. Micro-CT quantified ETW, although it was not as sensitive as visual analysis.