Effects of nicomethanol hydrofluoride on dental enamel and synthetic apatites: a role for anti-caries protection

AIM: To analyse the anti-caries properties of nicomethanol hydrofluoride (NH) and the benefit of its combination with siliglycol, a coating agent. METHODS: Fluoride (F) uptake by dental enamel and synthetic apatite treated with NH was measured in vitro and compared to treatment with mineral fluorides. The addition of siliglycol was also tested. The effect of NH (as a mouthwash) on salivary pH was also investigated in healthy human subjects and compared to the effect of a placebo and of nicomethanol alone. RESULTS: In vitro experiments showed a greater and faster F uptake on dental enamel or synthetic apatite treated with NH compared to sodium fluoride. F uptake was improved further by the addition of siliglycol. In healthy human subjects, pH reduction was strongly inhibited 5 min after two mouthrinses with NH. This effect was less pronounced but still statistically significant at 15 and 30 min (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NH was able to promote the fixation of F ions and strengthen the dental structure. Its combination with siliglycol further improved F uptake by the tooth and the control/inhibition of dental biofilm development.