Abstract
Electrolyzed neutral water has been gradually used for sterilization in clinical dentistry because of its excellent stability of the bactericidal activity and the least corrosiveness to metals. In this study, effects of this water on the surface property of the enamel were examined and compared with those of other electrolyzed water. Marked decalcification of the enamel surface was found with immersion time in the strong acid water by the macroscopic and microscopic observations. In the weak acid water, a symptom of slight decalcification was observed in SEM image. On the other hand, no changes in surface texture were found in the neutral water similarly in the tap water. It was suggested that the electrolyzed neutral water might be the most acceptable for clinical use among the three types because it showed no harmful effects on enamel in addition to its lower corrosiveness to metals and little smell of chlorine.
