Influence of periodic polyphenol treatment on the anti-erosive potential of the acquired enamel pellicle-A qualitative exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of periodic polyphenol treatment on the ultrastructure and anti-erosive potential of an in-situ formed pellicle. METHODS: Subjects wore intraoral appliances with buccally and palatally fixed bovine enamel specimens. During 6 h of intraoral pellicle formation, 100 ml black tea or tannic acid was applied ex-vivo every 25 min for 5 min. Untreated pellicles served as control. After the trial, specimens were immersed in 0.1% or 1% citric acid for 60 s and analysed for calcium release with atomic adsorption spectrometry and ultrastructure with transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Specimens covered by pellicles treated with black tea or tannic acid released less calcium than untreated pellicles. Ultrastructural analyses reveal an increase in pellicle's thickness and density after treatment with polyphenols. CONCLUSIONS: Periodic polyphenol treatment of the pellicle modify its ultrastructure and increase its anti-erosive potential. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Consumption of polyphenolic beverages can enhance the anti-erosive potential of the enamel pellicle.