Hospital mouth-cleaning aids may cause dental erosion

Jukka Meurman, Rita Sorvari, Alpo Pelttari, Inkeri Rytömaa, Sami Franssila, Lars Kroon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Maintaining satisfactory oral health in bed‐ridden patients often calls for special aids, such as moistened cotton swabs. The purpose of this In vitro study was to investigate three commercially available swab sticks meant for hospital use (DentiswabR, Lemon‐Glycerin SwabsticksR, and Lemon Glycerine SwabsR), and one saliva‐stimulant chewing tablet (CassisalR), regarding their possible erosive effects on dental enamel. A bovine enamel model system was used. Specimens were incubated for 4 hours In the test solutions made of the products.

The results showed statistically signlficant enamel softening caused by two of the cotton swabs (Lemon‐Glycerin SwabsticksR and Lemon Glycerine SwabsR). Incubation in the solutions made of DentiswabR cotton swabs and CassisalR tablets caused only minimal changes in microhard‐ness. Profilometric measurements supported these results.

Stereomicroscopy and SEM showed distinct erosion in specimens treated with the lemon swab solution, while the other two did not cause erosion. Thus, attention should be focused on choosing the less erosive products If special mouth‐cleaning aids are used.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)247-250
JournalSpecial Care in Dentistry
Volume16
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1997
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

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