Abstract Several anti-proteolytic dentin therapies are being exhaustively studied in an attempt to reduce dentin bond degradation and improve clinical performance and longevity of adhesive restorations. Objectives This study assessed the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on long-term bond strength when incorporated into adhesives. Material and Methods Adhesive systems were formulated with EGCG concentrations of 0 wt%: (no EGCG; control); 0.5 wt% EGCG; 1.0 wt% EGCG, and 1.5 wt% EGCG. Flexural strength (FS), modulus of elasticity (ME), modulus of resilience (MR), compressive strength (CS), degree of conversion (DC), polymerization shrinkage (PS), percentage of water sorption (%WS), percentage of water solubility (%WL) and cytotoxicity properties were tested. Dentin microtensile bond strength (µTBS) was evaluated after 24 h and again after 6 months of water storage. The adhesive interface was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of FS, ME, MR, CS and PS. EGCG-doped adhesives increased the DC relative to the control group. EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% decreased the WS of adhesives. WL decreased in all cases in which EGCG was added to adhesives, regardless of the concentration. EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% reduced cytotoxicity. EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% preserved µTBS after 6 months of storage, while 1.5 wt% EGCG significantly decreased µTBS. SEM: the integrity of the hybrid layer was maintained in the 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt% EGCG groups. Conclusion EGCG concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5 wt% showed better biological and mechanical performance, preserved bond strength and adhesive interface, and reduced cytotoxicity.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da escovação simulada usando creme dental com flúor e Aloe vera em lesão de mancha branca artificial in vitro, através da análise da microdureza Knoop (KHN). Métodos: Amostras de esmalte bovino (2 mm/diâmetro e 2 mm/altura) foram preparados e imersos em solução artificial de cárie por 24 h. O preparo para indução de lesão de mancha branca foi realizado por processo de ciclagem de pH. As amostras foram aleatoriamente divididas em dois grupos (n=20), de acordo com o dentifrício utilizado: creme dental contendo flúor (Colgate Total 12) ou creme dental à base de Aloe vera (Forever Bright Aloe Vera Toothgel). A superfície das amostras foi submetida à 10.000, 25.000, 50.000 e 100.000 ciclos de escovação simulada (200 g/peso) em uma máquina de escovação. A análise de microdureza (KHN) foi realizada inicialmente, após o período de imersão em solução artificial de mancha branca e após 10.000, 25.000, 50.000 e 100.000 ciclos de escovação. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes RM-ANOVA dois fatores e Tukey (p=0.05). Resultados: Os valores de KHN aumentaram significantemente após os ciclos de escovação, quando comparado aos valores após a imersão em solução desmineralizante. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os cremes dentais (p=0.263). Entretanto, em relação aos ciclos de escovação, houve diferenças significantes (p=0001). Conclusão: Os cremes dentais (contendo flúor ou Aloe vera) foram efetivos no aumento da microdureza superficial em lesão artificial de mancha branca.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of toothbrushing using a fluoride toothpaste and Aloe vera tooth gel on artificial white spot lesions through the Knoop microhardness (KHN) analysis. Methods: Sound bovine enamel samples (2 mm/diameter and 2 mm/depth) were prepared and immersed in artificial white spot lesion for 24 h. The preparation of artificial white spot lesions was performed by pH-cycling process. The samples were randomly divided into two groups (n=20), according the dentifrice used: containing fluoride (Colgate Total 12) or Aloe vera (Forever Bright Aloe Vera Toothgel). The top surface of samples was submitted to 10,000, 25,000, 50,000 and 100,000 brushing cycles (200 g load) in an automatic brushing machine with abrasive slurry. The KHN analysis were evaluated at baseline, after immersion in artificial white spot lesion and after 10,000, 25,000, 50,000 and 100,000 cycles of brushing. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey tests (p=0.05). Results: The KHN values significantly increased after brushing cycles compared to demineralized means. No significant differences showed for dentifrice factor (p=0.263). However, there were statistically significant differences between groups in cycles of brushing times (p=0.0001). Conclusion: The toothpastes (containing fluoride or Aloe vera) were effective in increasing the superficial microhardness of artificial white spot lesions.