Analysis of the antimicrobial and anti-caries effects of TiF(4) varnish under microcosm biofilm formed on enamel

Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF(4)) is known for interacting with enamel reducing demineralization. However, no information is available about its potential antimicrobial effect. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-caries potential of TiF(4) varnish compared to NaF varnish, chlorhexidine gel (positive control), placebo varnish and untreated (negative controls) using a dental microcosm biofilm model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A microcosm biofilm was produced on bovine enamel previously treated with the varnishes, using inoculum from human saliva mixed with McBain saliva, under 0.2% sucrose exposure, for 14 days. All experiments were performed in biological triplicate (n=4/group in each experiment). Factors evaluated were: bacterial viability (% dead and live bacteria); CFU counting (log(10) CFU/mL); and enamel demineralization (transverse microradiography – TMR). Data were analysed using ANOVA/Tukey's test or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Only chlorhexidine significantly increased the number of dead bacteria (68.8±13.1% dead bacteria) compared to untreated control (48.9±16.1% dead bacteria). No treatment reduced the CFU counting (total microorganism and total streptococci) compared to the negative controls. Only TiF(4) was able to reduce enamel demineralization (ΔZ 1110.7±803.2 vol% μm) compared to both negative controls (untreated: ΔZ 4455.3±1176.4 vol% μm). CONCLUSIONS: TiF(4) varnish has no relevant antimicrobial effect. Nevertheless, TiF(4) varnish was effective in reducing enamel demineralization under this model.