The acquired enamel pellicle - natural protective film of the teeth

Abstract

Materials and Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental erosion in 0,1% and 1,0% citric acid in vitro by several different methods and to assess the protective potential of experimentally formed salivary pellicle (24 n in vitro). Enamel slabs were embedded in epoxy resin and polished. Erosion was performed in citric acid for 1, 5 or 10 min and recorded as calcium release. Results: Significant microhardness loss on non-pellicle-covered specimens was measured after 1 min exposure to 0,1 % citric acid. Microhardness loss was time and concentration dependent. Salivary pellicle significantly inhibited microhardness loss, except after 10 min immersion in 1,0% citric acid. Discussion and conclusions: The results support the general conclusion that salivary pellicle effectively protects enamel surface against short-term erosion in organic acids.