REMINERALIZATION EFFICIENCY OF NANOHYDROXYAPATITE, NANO-BIOACTIVE GLASS, AND SODIUM FLUORIDE ON INITIAL ENAMEL CARIES OF PRIMARY TEETH

Abstract

Objectives: This in vitro study was carried out to evaluate the remineralization efficiency of nanohydroxyapatite (Nano-HAp), nano-bioactive glass (Nano-BAG), and sodium fluoride (NaF) on initial enamel caries of primary molar teeth. Material and Methods: The extracted primary molar teeth's enamel was used to create a total of 108 enamel samples. A particularly prepared demineralized solution was used to perform artificial caries. The demineralized enamel samples from primary molar teeth were remineralized using three solutions, each with a different concentration. According to the remineralization regime, the enamel samples were separated into three groups (n=36): the first group included enamel samples that had been treated with 10% Nano-HAp; the second group: enamel samples treated with 10% Nano-BAG; the third group: enamel samples treated with 2% NaF. The surface morphology, remineralization potential, and microhardness of enamel samples were assessed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Vickers microhardness tester, respectively, at the baseline, after demineralization, and after remineralization. Results: SEM analysis after remineralization intervention, all three study groups displayed favorable constructive surface changes. EDX analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in the Ca/P ratio (remineralization potential) for the enamel samples treated with Nanohydroxyapatite and Nano-bioactive glass in comparison with the sodium fluoride-treated group, however, no significant difference between Nanohydroxyapatite and Nano-bioactive glass treated groups. Also, statistically significant differences between the baseline (before demineralization), and after remineralization values in comparison with post-demineralization, were seen in the intragroup comparison of Ca/P ratios, however, no significant difference between baseline, and post-remineralization. The microhardness test showed a significant improvement in the surface hardness after remineralization of the demineralized enamel samples for all treated groups. However, the NaF treated sample showed a significantly lower hardness than the enamel samples at the baseline. Conclusion: The use of a 10% Nano-HAp and 10% Nano-BAG displayed positive constructive surface modifications and had the potential to remineralize the initial enamel caries and improve the microhardness of the demineralized enamel under in vitro conditions.