Effects of desensitizing and/or anti-erosive toothpastes combined with mouthrinses on enamel structure and dental pulp fibroblasts viability

Abstract

This study evaluated the chemical profile of toothpastes (TPs) and mouthrinses (MRs) and their effects on tooth enamel ultrastructure, and the viability of human dental pulp fibroblasts (hDPF). Four TPs and MRs containing different remineralizing agents (arginine, potassium nitrate, pro arginine, and stannous chloride) were analyzed for pH, titratable acidity (TA), and ion concentrations (Ca⁺², K⁺, Na⁺²). Enamel ultrastructure was evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell viability was assessed after treatments exposure. TPs and MRs had pH values ranging from 4.43 to 8.87, with SnCl₂-MR showing the highest TA. Alterations in enamel surface were observed with decrease of Amide I, carbonate and potassium peaks. Combinations of TP+MR reduced calcium concentration. Cell viability was reduced as response to all TP+MR combinations, except to ProArg-MR. These findings suggest that combining TPs and MRs may not enhance their effectiveness and could harm enamel and dental pulp cells.