Scanning electron microscopic and X-ray micro analysis on tooth enamel exposed to alkaline agents.

• The background of this study comprises two clinical cases, where patients exposed to aerosols of an alkaline and surface active cleaning agent developed loss of enamel substance on their teeth, further resulting in loss of teeth and partially destroyed soft tissues. The alkaline cleaning agent consisted of potassium hydroxide and various surfactants. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible changes in morphology and composition in human teeth enamel exposed to alkaline solutions, by means of X-ray micro analysis (XRMA), FTIR-spectroscopic analyses and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Extracted premolars, exposed to potassium hydroxide solutions and alkaline cleaning solution,were analyzed by means of XRMA and SEM. Enamel powder, exposed to cleaning solution, was analyzed by means of FTIR. The SEM analysis revealed an increased porosity of the enamel surface and partially loss of enamel substance after exposure to alkaline solutions. The XRMA analyses revealed a decrease in carbon concentration while phosphorous and calcium showed no marked changes. The FTIR analyses showed no significant changes in peak heights or peak positions for phosphate, carbonate or hydroxide. It was concluded that human teeth enamel exposed to alkaline solutions showed loss of organic substance, marked pores in enamel surface and loss of substance in the enamel surface.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Aerosols

pharmacology

Alkalies

pharmacology

Bicuspid

chemistry

drug effects

ultrastructure

Dental Enamel

chemistry

drug effects

ultrastructure

Dentifrices

pharmacology

Electron Probe Microanalysis

Humans

Microscopy

Electron

Scanning

Potassium Compounds

pharmacology

Spectroscopy

Fourier Transform Infrared

Surface-Active Agents

pharmacology

Time Factors

Tooth Erosion

chemically induced

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)