METHODOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF IN SITU STUDIES ON DENTAL EROSION: A CURRENT APPROACH

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the methodology of in situ studies on dental erosion. Material and Methods: Literature searches were carried out in the databases Scopus and PubMed, using the descriptor "tooth erosion", the term "in situ" and the Boolean operator "AND". The survey instrument consisted of a form containing the following variables: author, country where the research was performed, publication year, type of sterilization of the specimens; prior preparation of the tooth surface; analysis of tooth wear; origin, tissue and type of tooth; dentition; substance, pH and quantity of the demineralization/chelating solution; duration of the erosive challenge; number of volunteers and study length. Results: A total of 26 manuscripts were selected. The biological material mostly used was of human origin (69.23%), of which 100% corresponded to enamel. Teeth sterilization was carried out preferably with ethylene oxide (26.9%). The immersion in 150ml, soft drink, 4 times/day and 5min were the most frequent choices for the erosive challenging. The pH values ranged from 1.0 to 3.8. Preventive measures by the use of fluorides or presence of acquired pellicle on the specimens’ surface were observed in 80.76% of the articles. Profilometry and microhardness were the most commonly used tests to assess dental erosion. Conclusion: The most applied methodology consisted of human teeth sterilized with ethylene oxide exposed to soft drinks, evaluated by means of profilometry and microhardness tests. DESCRIPTORES: Tooth erosion. Methods. Clinical trial.