In vivo study of fluoride chewing gum for the remineralization of human root lesions.

The purpose of this study was to study the efficacy of a fluoride-containing chewing gum (0.1 mg F/stick chewed 5 x/day) in the remineralization of artificial caries lesions in abraded root surfaces compared to sorbitol-containing chewing gum and a no gum control group in vivo. Root specimens were cut from human root surfaces and polished. The specimens were demineralized in a buffered lactate solution with low concentration of fluoride in order to preserve an intact surface layer. Six healthy subjects wore mandibular Hawley-type appliances containing up to fourteen slabs for each of one control and two experimental periods. The experimental protocol included chewing five pieces of gums per day and brushing with fluoride-free dentifrice for each 21 days period. All three regimens were analyzed for fluoride uptake and microradiography. The results indicate that fluoride-containing chewing gum has a highly significant fluoride uptake and remineralization compared to sorbitol gum and control regimens, suggesting that fluoride chewing gum may provide another vehicle for fluoride delivery.