Avaliação das características físico-químicas de géis de flúor de uso odontológico profissional.

Abstract

Clinical use of fluoride gels for topical application by professionals is indicated for prevention and treatment of dental caries and dental erosion due to the ability to interact with the process of demineralization - remineralization of tooth mineral matrix. The general objective of this work was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of topical gels for professional dental remineralization specified in the records granted by ANVISA. There were fifteen (15) valid records, relating to sixteen (16) products of fluoride gel use dental topic has been verified. As for these products, there were eight (8) neutral fluoride gels and eight (8) acidulated fluoride gels. All products contain in their composition sodium fluoride and the most used polymer for gel formation is hydroxyethyl cellulose. All acidulated fluoride gels have in their composition 1.23 % fluorine ions and all neutral fluoride gels contain 2 % NaF in its composition, as stated in the registration process at ANVISA. In 60 % of valid registration process there was information about the pH of the product. In the survey conducted in March 2014 in dental stores at Federal District (DF), it was observed the marketing of two products from the same manufacturer, being one neutral fluoride gel and one gel of acidulated fluoride. For physicochemical characterization, nine bottles of 200 ml of fluoride gel were acquired in DF: three of acidulated fluoride gel within the validity, three of acidulated fluoride gel out of date and three of neutral fluoride gel. These products were evaluated by the following techniques: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetry (TG) and evaluation of the hydrogen potential (pH). The chemical elements identified by EDS analysis, in regions without clusters and with clusters of dehydrated samples, are consistent with the chemical composition of the products declared by the manufacturer to ANVISA. The FTIR outcomes showed no significant changes among analyzed samples. Different results among samples were observed during DSC and TGA tests, this is probably related to dehydration of the samples and the formation of agglomerates. More studies about the physicochemical characteristics of topical gels for professional dental remineralization are needed to support the development of specific technical standards.