Preventing Enamel Demineralization Using Propolis Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride Varnishes: A Comparison

  Introduction: Soft drink are one of the most frequently consumed beverages that can cause enamel demineralization, with a pH ranging from 1 to 4. The use of fluoride varnishes in clinical dentistry is the most common and favored method of countering this process, and the newest innovation made from natural substances is propolis fluoride. Objective: To compare the enamel structures of samples treated with propolis fluoride and sodium fluoride after being demineralized by carbonated liquid. Methods: Twenty-seven permanent premolar teeth were equally divided into three groups for treatment. One group received propolis fluoride, one received sodium fluoride, and the control group was not treated. The samples were exposed to 5% acetic acid for 20 minutes and subsequently varnished with fluoride. The samples were then exposed to Fusayama’s artificial saliva for 30 minutes, followed by a carbonated liquid for 1 hour. The samples were analyzed with an EDX or the quantitative analysis and a SEM was used to photograph the surfaces of all the samples to compare them qualitatively. Results: The percentage of the fluoride element inside the enamel surfaces from the EDX showed no significant differences between any of the groups (P ≥ 0.05), although the control group showed differences in the enamel surface structure compared to the other groups. Conclusion: Propolis fluoride and sodium fluoride have the same effectivity in inhibiting enamel demineralization by carbonated drinks

Survey of Adhesive Systems Knowledge Among Conservative Dentistry Specialist Dentist in Indonesia

  Introduction: Knowledge of adhesive systems is an essential item in creating a successful tooth restoration. Adhesive systems are common among dentists in Indonesia, but no research has been found that evaluates the knowledge of the members of Indonesian Conservative Dentistry Association (IKORGI) - Central Jakarta Branch. Objectives: to determine dentists’ understanding regarding the use of adhesive systems during restorative procedures. Methods: This research used a descriptive study with a cross-sectional questionnaire design. One hundred and five dentist specialists in IKORGI - Central Jakarta Branch, completed an online survey form within two months comprising three sections: (a) demographics (6 items), (b) knowledge about the latest technology of adhesive systems (5 items), and (c) clinical implications of adhesive systems (10 items). Data was collected and analyzed using Microsoft excel and IBM SPSS. Results: The primary data was dominated by the female with the range of 0 to 5 years of experience since graduated from conservative dentistry program. They understood the adhesive system quite well, as seen from the maximum score of the respondents was 4.25. Among participants, 63.8% to 99% showed a strong knowledge about the adhesion terminology and type of adhesives. Conclusions: The understanding of adhesive systems knowledge among dentist specialists in IKORGI - Central Jakarta Branch is good, although there are some significant differences between the research variables. Further research is required to cover all areas of Indonesia with or without specialty in conservative dentistry