Morphological alterations on human radicular dentin after exposure to different fruit juice drinks

Purpose: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of different types of fruit juice drinks available in the Brazilian market on smear layer removal and dentinal tubules opening, as well as to verify the effect of toothbrushing subsequently to the juice drinks exposure. Methods: Dentin specimens were prepared and randomly distributed into the control group (distilled water) and twelve types of fruit juice drinks (cashew, orange, mandarin, apple, passion fruit, guava, strawberry, grape, mango, pear, peach, pineapple). Each group included two methods of application: topic and friction. After routine preparation for SEM, photomicrographs were assessed by a calibrated and blinded examiner. Results: No significant differences regarding smear layer removal and dentinal tubules exposure could be observed between the groups after both methods of application (Kruskal-Wallis, post-hoc paired comparisons, P > 0.05). The control solution and the fruit juice drinks were not able to remove smear layer and to open dentinal tubules. Significant difference between the methods of application was observed only for the mango juice group (Mann-Whitney, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Morphological alterations on human dentin surface could not be observed after exposure to the different fruit juice drinks followed or not by brushing procedures.