Effectiveness of Phytic Acid as an Etchant in Dentistry: A Systematic Review

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the effect of phytic acid and to compare it with the phosphoric acid etching through a systematic review. systematic search was carried out using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane library, Indmed, Scopus, and Liliacs databases conducted upto January 2022. In vitro studies comparing phytic acid and phosphoric acid as an etchant on tooth surfaces that performed bond strength, smear layer removal, collagen degradation and monomer penetration were included. The risk of bias was assessed considering Checklist for Reporting In-vitro Studies guidelines. Five studies were chosen for full-text assessment out of 830 that were potentially eligible. The studies found that phytic acid improved bond strength, collagen degradation, smear layer removal, and monomer penetration. Every study had a moderate-to-high risk of bias. Phytic acid enhanced the etch and rinse adhesive's binding strength to dentin, effectively eradicated the smear layer, protected dentin collagen from degradation, and had better resin infiltration and minimal effect on pulpal cells.