Impact of simulated long-term brushing and acid exposure on the surface properties of pit-and-fissure sealants: an in vitro study

Background: Pit-and-fissure sealants are widely used to prevent occlusal caries, but daily brushing and repeated acid exposure may compromise their surface integrity. This in vitro study evaluated the effects of simulated long-term toothbrushing, with and without intermittent citric acid exposure, on the surface properties of six pit-and-fissure sealants. Methods: Disc specimens (n = 84; n = 14 per material; n = 7 per subgroup) prepared from five resin-based sealants and one resin-modified glass-ionomer were subjected to 60,000 brushing strokes under a 2 N load with an abrasive slurry, either alone or combined with intermittent immersion in citric acid (pH 2.5). Surface roughness, surface gloss, mass, and three-dimensional volume were measured before and after aging, and surface topography was assessed by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Acid exposure significantly affected roughness change (p < 0.001), volume loss (p < 0.001), mass loss (p < 0.001), and surface roughness index scores (p = 0.003). Surface gloss showed a significant material × acid interaction (p < 0.001) without a significant overall acid main effect (p = 0.126). Glass Liner showed the greatest deterioration under acid challenge, whereas Grandio Seal showed the lowest volume loss in both conditions and the highest gloss under acid exposure. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, sealant performance under erosive-abrasive challenge was material dependent. Materials with lower roughness change and volumetric loss may offer better surface durability in patients with frequent acid exposure.

Pit and fissure sealants; Toothbrushing; Citric acid; Dental materials; Surface properties

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