ToF-SIMS — a new way for evaluating the interactions between fluoride and dental enamel (in vitro)

Caries occurs when the balance between demineralization and remineralization is disturbed and tends towards demineralization. Adding fluoride, calcium and phosphate ions can positively influence this equilibrium, promoting remineralization. Fluoride is widely recognized as the primary active ingredient in oral hygiene products, contributing significantly to the global decline in caries prevalence.

To enhance our understanding of remineralization mechanisms and develop effective anti-caries products, there is a need for further advancement in in vitro testing techniques. In this expert session you will get an overview of a study that aims to evaluate the efficacy of high-resolution time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) in visualizing changes in human enamel microstructure and chemical composition during treatment and remineralization cycles of artificially generated caries lesions under simulated oral conditions.

ToF-SIMS, a highly surface-sensitive analytical technique, offers high-resolution insights into surface elements and compounds, including their lateral distribution. Recent advancements have enabled very high mass and lateral resolutions, along with depth profiling capabilities, particularly beneficial for low atomic weight atoms.

This presented methodological study seeks to assess new strategies for characterizing remineralized artificial carious lesions, utilizing ToF-SIMS and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) to investigate the spatial distribution of fluoride and calcium, as well as crystallinity. Additionally, it examines fluoride-dose-dependent remineralization of caries lesions under simulated plaque/oral conditions, aiming to determine the response of high-resolution techniques to fluoride dosage.