A model to investigate xerostomia-related dental caries

Caries Res. 1988;22(6):357-61. doi: 10.1159/000261138.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop an in vivo model in which onset, progression, and prevention of xerostomia-related dental caries can be studied. The progress of the caries process was investigated on ground and polished human enamel blocks placed in the lower denture of 7 edentulous subjects suffering from xerostomia. During a period of 6 weeks the samples were analyzed at weekly intervals by means of scanning optical monitoring, scanning longitudinal microradiography, scanning electron microscopy, and hardness measurements. Although the indentation length increased significantly within 2 weeks, no demineralization could be yet observed with scanning optical monitoring, longitudinal microradiography, and electron microscopy in most samples. Starting from the 3rd week a progressive demineralization could be observed by all methods. The mineral loss (hydroxyapatite) in the 3rd week was 0.0126 kg.m-2 (median) which increased to 0.0761 kg.m-2 after 6 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy showed a destruction which resembled that of natural xerostomia-related dental caries. From this study it may be concluded that the in vivo model developed is suitable for studying onset, progression, and prevention of xerostomia-related dental caries.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Dental Caries / etiology*
  • Dental Caries / pathology
  • Dental Caries / prevention & control
  • Dental Enamel / chemistry
  • Dental Enamel / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Fluorides / analysis
  • Hardness
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microradiography
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Biological*
  • Saliva / metabolism
  • Xerostomia / complications*
  • Xerostomia / physiopathology

Substances

  • Fluorides