Publication

Abstract : PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy between supplementing ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate to carbonated beverages by recording the in vitro mineral loss and surface microhardness (SMH) changes in human enamel.METHODS: 120 enamel blocks each (from primary and permanent teeth) were uniformly prepared and the initial SMH was recorded. These enamel specimens were equally divided (n = 60) for their respective beverage treatment in Group 1 (2 mmol/L ferrous sulfate) and Group 2 (2 mmol/L ferrous fumarate). Each group was further divided into three subgroups as Coca-Cola, Sprite and mineral water (n= 10). The specimens were subjected to three repetitive cycles of respective treatment for a 5-minute incubation period, equally interspaced by 5-minute storage in artificial saliva. The calcium and phosphate released after each cycle were analyzed spectrophotometrically and the final SMH recorded.RESULTS: The results were tested using student's t-test, one-way ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed rank test (P 0.05). The spectrophotometric assessment of calcium and phosphate withdrawal found more loss with the supplementation of 2 mmol/L ferrous sulfate than ferrous fumarate (P 0.005). Similarly, the mean surface microhardness reduction was less with the supplementation of 2 mmol/L ferrous fumarate than with ferrous sulfate (P 0.005). Statistical comparisons revealed the maximum surface microhardness and mineral loss with primary enamel and the maximum loss produced in all groups by Coca-Cola (P 0.005).