In Vitro Evaluation of the Demineralization of Bovine Enamel Subjected to pH and Immersion Time Variations in Caries-Inducing Solution

Objective: To analyze in vitro the demineralization pattern of bovine enamel as a function of pH and immersion time variations in a demineralizing solution used to simulate the natural caries process. Method: The sample consisted of 80 enamel blocks, randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=20): GA= pH 5.0 solution for 16 hours; GB= pH 5.0 solution for 32 hours; GC= pH 4.7 solution for 16 hours and GD= pH 4.7 solution for 32 hours. All specimens were stored at 37oC during the whole experimental period. After exposure to the demineralizing solution, the specimens were prepared and evaluated under polarized light microscopy (PLM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data from SEM analysis were evaluated descriptively, while the results from PLM analysis were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey’s tests, with a 95% significance level (p 16 hours or lower pH of the solution were used.