The Effect of Usage of Antiasthmatic Inhalers on Color Stability and Surface Roughness of Dental Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study

Objectives Increased demand for esthetics by parents and children has resulted in the use of tooth-colored restorative materials. Children with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma use inhalers which have shown to affect the surface of restorative materials. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of antiasthmatic inhalers on color stability and surface roughness of three restorative materials. Materials and Methods Forty samples each of three dental restorative materials: group A: glass ionomer cement (GIC), group B: alkasite restorative material, and group C: composite resins were prepared. Each group was further divided into two subgroups of 20 samples each according to the inhaler used. All the specimens were polished using polishing discs and stored in artificial saliva in order to simulate the oral environment. The baseline color value and surface roughness of all the samples were measured using a spectrophotometer and a profilometer, respectively. Group 1 and group 2 were exposed to 0.31 mg of salbutamol sulfate and 20 mg formoterol fumarate in combination with budesonide, respectively, for every 12 hours, for a period of 15 days following which the samples were evaluated for color changes and surface roughness. Statistical Analysis The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis and level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Exposure to both the inhalers caused a change in color and surface roughness in all three restorative materials. There was a significant change in the color of GIC and composite resin (Delta E > 3.3), following exposure to both the inhalers (p < 0.05). The change in color of alkasite restorative material was not significant. A significant increase in the surface roughness of composite resin from 0.56 +/- 0.14 to 0.67 +/- 0.19 was seen following 15 days' exposure to formoterol in combination with budesonide inhaler (p < 0.05). Conclusion Following exposure, both the inhalers had an equal effect on color and surface roughness of all three restorative materials. Alkasite restorative material showed greater resistance to change in color and surface roughness when exposed to antiasthmatic inhalers, compared to GIC and composite resin. Thus, children who use inhalers and nebulizers should be advised to implement more precautionary oral hygiene measures and periodic dental visits.