The Anti-Caries Efficacy of Three Fluoride Compounds at Increasing Maturation of a Microcosm Biofilm

Abstract Objective To explore the anti-caries efficacy of three fluoride compounds at increasing maturation of a microcosm biofilm. Design Microcosm biofilm, obtained from saliva collected from three donors (IRB #1406440799), was grown on enamel samples (n = 18/group) for 24-h (Brain Heart Infusion; 0.2% sucrose). Then, pH cycling model started. Three maturations were explored (4d, 8d, and 12d). The pH cycling consisted of daily 2 × 5 min treatments (NaF, SnF2, AmF: 287.5 ppm F, and de-ionized water [DIW]), 4 × 10 min remineralization (BHI, no sucrose, pH 7.0), and 3 × 2:15 h demineralization (BHI, 1% sucrose, pH 4.5). We analyzed the enamel (surface microhardness [VHNchange], integrated mineral loss [ΔZ], lesion depth [L]), and the biofilm (viability [log10 CFU/ml], lactic acid production [LDH], and exopolysaccharide [EPS] amount). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA (p = 0.05). Results The interaction between tested variables was significant for VHNchange, viability, LDH, EPS (p = 0.0354, p = 0.0001, p  Conclusions Biofilm’s maturation may influence the selection of fluoride compounds to achieve an optimum cariostatic effect.