Figure 1

Box-plots for the relative surface microhardness (rSMH, %) of deciduous and permanent teeth, according to the incubation time in citric acid (1 min to 5 min, different shaded boxes), the pH of the citric acid (pH 5, pH 4 or pH 3), and the agitation (gentle or vigorous shaking). Significant differences between gentle and vigorous shaking after 5 min incubation are shown when p < 0.05.