Objectives: A thorough knowledge of tooth morphology, encompassing the detailed structural complexities, is essential for the practice of dental hygienists in all aspects of their profession. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of two instructional approaches in tooth morphology education, by analyzing the performance of dental hygienist students trained with human extracted teeth compared to those educated with plastic teeth models. Methods: This study included two cohorts of undergraduate dental hygienist students: a control group (n = 27) trained using human teeth, and an experimental group (n = 34) trained using plastic teeth models. Each group underwent two consecutive practical exams where they identified all 32 permanent teeth and 8 deciduous molars. Initially, students were tested on the training material that they were assigned (either extracted human teeth or plastic teeth), and, subsequently, they were tested using the alternative material. Both the number and patterns of identification errors were recorded and analyzed. Paired t-tests were used to compare error rates between real and plastic teeth for students trained on either plastic or real teeth, unpaired t-tests were conducted to assess differences in performance between students trained on plastic versus real teeth when tested on both tooth types, and Fisher’s exact tests were employed to examine variations in error proportions across maxillary and mandibular tooth categories. Results: The control group recorded a mean of 6.41 errors per student (total of 173 errors), with three students (11.1%) failing by committing over 12 errors. Their performance improved to a mean of 5.44 errors (total of 147 errors) when tested on plastic teeth, although the improvement was not statistically significant (p = 0.20). Conversely, the experimental group demonstrated high accuracy on plastic teeth, with 19 out of 34 students (55.9%) achieving perfect scores and a total of only 50 errors (mean, 1.47). Their performance, however, declined when tested on real teeth, escalating to a total of 354 errors, with 32 students (94.12%) making more errors on real teeth than on plastic, resulting in a significant increase in errors to an average of 10.41 per student (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that students perform best when tested on the materials that they initially were trained with, showing that real teeth provide better educational outcomes than plastic models. This advantage underscores the importance of using natural teeth when learning dental anatomy.

Dental erosion development is affected by various factors such as types and amounts of acids, drinking habits and lifestyle choices. To prevent the onset and progression, identification of early erosive lesions as well as increased knowledge of the preventive treatment possibilities is of the importance. The aim of this study is to compare the protective effects of various fluoride compounds against dental erosion utilizing an established mouse model. Three groups of ten young CD-1 mice were provided cola drink ad libitum during six weeks. Fluoride solutions containing metal components, TiF₄ (0.5 mol/l, pH 1.2, 9500 ppm F) and SnF₂ (0.5 mol/l, pH 2.6, 9500 ppm F), and a non-metal fluoride, NaF (0.5 mol/l, pH 8, 9500 ppm F) were applied to the molars under sedation twice a week. Additionally, one positive (acidic drink) and one negative (distilled water) control group were included. Mandibular molars were thereafter dissected and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The first molars were transversely ground, observed by SEM, and tooth height and dental hard tissue loss were measured. Further, pulp structure was described. The application of metal fluorides, TiF₄ and SnF₂, resulted in the formation of a protective coating layer on the molars. The overall protective effects of fluoride compounds on the development of dental erosion were evident in increasing succession from NaF, TiF₄ to SnF₂. Molars applied NaF showed a 6% reduction in tooth tissue loss compared to the untreated positive control molars. TiF₄ and SnF₂ treated molars continued to display decreased tooth tissue loss by 37% and 67%, respectively. The metal fluorides offer superior protection against dental erosion compared to the traditional fluoride compound. The results particularly emphasize the protective effect of SnF₂, which was most effective in preserving enamel structure and minimizing dentin exposure. This suggests that SnF₂ could be an effective option for preventing dental erosions.

Objectives: Dental erosion has evolved into a common condition with growing concern in the dental community. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of two highly fluoridated products, silver fluoride solution (silver diamine fluoride-potassium iodide solution, SDF-KI) and fluoride varnish, on dental erosion in mouse. Methods: Two groups of ten young CD-1 mouse were given a cola drink ad libitum over a 6-week period. A prophylactic treatment with a silver fluoride solution (38% SDF 48,000 ppm F with a silver concentration of 253,900 ppm) and a fluoride varnish (NaF, 22,600 ppm F) were applied on the mandibular molars, performed under sedation twice a week during the whole experiment. Furthermore, two control groups of ten mice were included, a positive (cola drink) and a negative (distilled water) control. A terminal procedure was followed by dissection of mandibular molars and analysis of them using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The first molars were transversely ground, further analyzed by SEM, and measured for tooth height and tooth tissue loss. Results: Analyses of mandibular molars treated with a fluoride varnish indicated a 5% decreased tooth tissue loss, compared to the molars which served as a positive control. The best effect was achieved with the application of silver fluoride solution, displaying a 35% decreased tooth tissue loss compared to the positive control group. Conclusions: Preventive treatment with a solution of silver fluoride solution exhibits greater protection against dental erosion compared to a traditional fluoride varnish. This study indicates that silver fluoride solution is an effective fluoride compound and is highly beneficial in a clinical setting with the aim of preventing dental erosion.

Objective: Purpose of this research was to examine the onset, progression and wear rates of dental erosion in an established mouse model. Material and methods: Dental erosion in mice was experimentally induced, and the acidic effects of cola drink on their teeth after 2, 4 and 6-weeks were closely analysed by scanning electron microscopy. The tooth height and enamel or dentin loss were established. Results: The dental erosion on the molars showed clear progression from 2 to 6 weeks. By the 2-week mark, a significant portion of enamel was already eroded, revealing the dentin on the lingual cusps. When adjusted for attritional wear, molars exposed to cola for 2 weeks showed a 35% drop in lingual tooth height compared to controls (533 μm vs. 818 μm). At 4 and 6 weeks, the cola-exposed group continued to display decreased lingual tooth heights by 40% (476 μm vs. 799 μm) and 43% (440 μm vs. 767 μm), respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed significant acidic effects of cola drink on mouse molars as early as 2 weeks. These findings highlight the challenge of monitoring dental erosion clinically and underscore the importance of early preventive and intervention measures.

Prevention of dental erosion – From fluorides to bioactive compounds: Throughout life, the dentition is continuously exposed to various mechanical and chemical stimuli, and different forms of wear often reflect their etiology. One specific form of wear is dental erosion, defined as a chemical and mechanical process resulting in the cumulative loss of dental hard tissue, not caused by bacteria. In line with lifestyle changes, increased productivity and availability of acidic food and beverages, the prevalence of dental erosion has changed throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In Norway today, carbonated and non-carbonated, alcohol-free beverages are the most purchased items in grocery stores. A high prevalence of dental erosion among youth is one of the consequences. In preventive practice, it is of great importance to identify risk groups for dental erosion, strengthen protective factors, implement strategies that contribute to the preservation of dental hard tissue, and maintain a stable mineral balance. The protective strategies can include the use of fluoride products or bioactive compounds with different mechanisms of action. The aim is to strengthen the remaining enamel and promote the formation of a more resistant surface layer. Such protective components can be incorporated into various oral care products. Furthermore, acidic products can be modified to reduce their erosive potential. In addition, implementing broader measures, such as public health interventions, product reformulation, and initiatives to increase health literacy, may help prevent dental erosion. Keywords: dental erosion, preventive measures, fluorides, bioactive alternatives

Objective: Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is generally recognized as a widespread condition and a rising concern within the oral healthcare system. This study aimed to investigate dental hygienists` experiences and treatment methods regarding ETW in young adults. Material and methods: A questionnaire was sent to 1,084 Norwegian dental hygienists working in both public and private dental services. In total, 313 responded (response rate 28.9%). After excluding 47 respondents who did not meet the inclusion criteria of working with young adults (15–30 years), 266 dental hygienists were included in the final analyses (24.5% of those invited). Results: In total, 96% of the study population of 266 dental hygienists reported recording ETW in the register, with the public dental service doing so more frequently than the private sector. Sports drinks, energy drinks and soft drinks were believed to be the primary risk indicators of ETW, analogously across groups. Furthermore, there was consensus that the most frequently performed preventive measures were dietary guidance and self-administration of fluoride rinse and/or tablets. Conclusions: Overall, this study suggests that, in our sample, dental hygienists possess substantial knowledge of ETW and hold strong views on potential improvements in their work as healthcare professionals.