Dentifrices or gels containing MMP inhibitors prevent dentine loss: in situ studies.

Objectives: Evaluate the effect of dentifrices or gels containing MMP inhibitors on dentine loss in situ.
Materials and Methods: Acrylic palatal appliances containing bovine dentine blocks were divided into two rows, corresponding to the groups erosion (ERO) and erosion associated with abrasion (ERO+ABR). For ERO, the appliances were immersed in a cola drink for 5 min, 4 times/day, while for ERO+ABR, the blocks were brushed for 15 sec with a dentifrice slurry after the second and third erosive challenges. Ten volunteers took part in study 1 (S1), where the dentifrices evaluated contained 1100 ppm fluoride as NaF, 0.61% green tea extract, or 0.012% chlorhexidine digluconate. Thirteen volunteers participated in study 2 (S2), in which the treatment was performed only once (1 min) with gels containing 400 μM EGCG (EGCG400), 0.012% chlorhexidine, 1 mM FeSO ₄ , 1.23% F (NaF), placebo, or received no treatment. Dentine loss was analyzed by profilometry (μm).
Results: Regarding S1, ERO+ABR induced significantly higher dentine loss compared with ERO and all dentifrices tested led to significantly lower dentine loss when compared with placebo. For S2, regardless of the conditions or times of evaluation, gels containing EGCG, CHX, or FeSO ₄ led to significantly less wear compared with the other groups.
Conclusion: Both dentifrices and gels containing MMP inhibitors significantly reduced dentine loss.
Clinical Relevance: Dentifrices and gels containing MMP inhibitors are able to increase the protection against dentine wear, although gels have a better effect when compared with fluoride gel, lasting up to 10 days after a single application.