Method for Evaluating the Potential of a Test Composition to Inhibit Demineralization or Promote Remineralization of Enamel

摘要

In situ methods of evaluating the potential of a test composition to inhibit demineralization of the tooth enamel and/or to promote remineralization of acid-softened enamel using quantitative light fluorescence (QLF), e.g., by using an intra-oral appliance comprising tooth substrates to permit application of test composition to the substrate when in the mouth and erosive challenge when outside the mouth, and measuring the degree of mineralization or demineralization of the tooth substrate by in the presence and absence of treatment with the test composition.

主权项

1. A method of evaluating the potential of a test composition to inhibit demineralization of the tooth enamel and/or to promote remineralization of acid-softened enamel, the method comprising the steps of:
(i) placing an intra-oral appliance in the mouth of a test subject, wherein the intra-oral appliance comprises a tooth substrate; (ii) treating part or all of the tooth substrate with the test composition, e.g., toothpaste or mouthwash, while the intra-oral appliance is in the mouth; (iii) removing the intra-oral appliance from the mouth of a test subject; (iv) exposing part or all of the tooth substrate to an erosive challenge, e.g. acid; (v) maintaining the intra-oral appliance in the mouth of the test subject; (vi) quantifying the degree of mineralization of the tooth substrate as a function of the degree of fluorescence of the tooth substrate upon exposure to blue laser light, wherein the degree of mineralization is positively correlated with the degree of fluorescence upon exposure to blue laser light, using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF); and the test composition is selected for use in a method to inhibit or reduce demineralization of the tooth enamel and/or to promote remineralization of acid-softened enamel if the test composition causes more fluorescence of the tooth substrate in the yellow-green light range than another test composition.