Remineralization Efficiency of Different Toothpastes on Human Enamel Subjected to Acid Challenge: in Vitro Study

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the remineralizing potential of dentifrices containing nanohydroxyapatite, fluoride, and bioactive glass with and without fluoride on enamel by assessing the enamel surface microhardness the enamel structural and elemental analysis through Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX). Methods: Sound extracted third molars were divided into 5 groups. Group A (n=15): Hydroxyapatite toothpaste (Karex) was used to treat the teeth; Group B (n=15): teeth were treated with Hydroxyapatite and Fluoride containing toothpaste (Apacare); Group C (n=15): teeth were treated with ChloroCalcium Phosphosilicate containing toothpaste (Biomin C); Group D (n=15): teeth were treated with FluoroCalcium Phosphosilicate containing toothpaste (Biomin F); negative control group (n=15): teeth not subjected to any treatment. All teeth (experimental and negative control groups). After 2 weeks of the dynamic pH-cycling; 10 teeth of each group were subjected to microhardness assessment, while 5 teeth of each group were subjected to EDX Analysis. Results: After 2 weeks of pH-cycling, all experimental groups (A, B, C, and D) showed a percent increase of enamel surface microhardness. Group D reported the highest percent increase (15.07%) while teeth that were not subjected to any treatment (negative control group) showed a percent decrease (-15.7%). Fluoride and calcium ions recorded a significantly higher percent increase in group D, while a significantly lower value was recorded in the control group. Conclusion: All the experimental toothpaste had the potential to remineralize enamel surface subjected to dynamic pH-cycling, but the incorporation of fluoride with the bioactive glass technology as in Biomin F toothpaste had the maximum effect on the demineralized enamel surface