Effect of experimental xylitol and fluoride-containing dentifrices on enamel erosion with or without abrasion in vitro

This in vitro study aimed to analyze the effect of including xylitol into a fluoridated dentifrice to provide protection against enamel erosion with or without abrasion. Bovine enamel specimens were subjected to erosion or erosion plus abrasion (7 days) and the treatment with the following dentifrices: 10% xylitol; 10% xylitol plus 1,030 ppm F (NaF); 1,030 ppm F; and placebo. The erosive challenges were performed 4 times a day (2 min at a time). The specimens were exposed to the slurries of the dentifrices 2 times daily (15 s at a time). Half of the specimens per group were additionally abraded using an electrical toothbrush (F = 1.5 N). Between the challenges, the specimens were remineralized by artificial saliva. Enamel loss was measured profilometrically (∝m). The data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post-hoc test (P < 0.05). Ten percent xylitol plus F and F dentifrices significantly reduced enamel erosion compared to placebo and xylitol dentifrices. On the other hand, all dentifrices presented a significant potential to protect against enamel erosion plus abrasion compared to placebo, with 10% xylitol plus F showing the best results. Based on this result, the inclusion of 10% xylitol increased the effect of the fluoridated dentifrice against enamel erosion plus abrasion in vitro. In situ or clinical studies are needed to confirm the data. (J Oral Sci 53, 163-168, 2011)